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Important Revolutionary War–dated partly-printed DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 8.5 x 10, June 30, 1783. Continental Army military discharge headed “By His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.” In part: “These are to certify that the Bearer hereof Jean Baptiste Dupere, Soldier of the United States of America in General Hazen's Regiment, having faithfully served in the United States five years and six months, and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army." Signed at the conclusion in ink by General George Washington, and countersigned below by Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. On the reverse is a statement noting that the certificate "shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace," and that he is to be considered on furlough until that time. In very good condition, with toning and soiling, foxing, and small areas of paper loss to the reinforced folds.
Jean Baptiste Dupere served for over five years in a Continental Army regiment commanded by Moses Hazen, known as the '2nd Canadian' or 'Congress' Own.' It was raised in the province of Quebec for service with the American Continental Army and saw action at Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, and the Siege of Yorktown. After the war, Dupere would be honored with the 'Badge of Merit' for his five years of faithful service. The 'Badge of Merit' was awarded to soldiers for meritorious action, ‘not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.’ The heart-shaped badge was the earliest standard US Armed Forces award.
As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, General Washington took it upon himself to organize and train his soldiers. By war's end, this highly disciplined and hands-on approach carried over into Washington insisting on signing every discharge certificate personally. According to Charles Hamilton’s, 'Collecting Autographs and Manuscripts,' Washington said: 'These soldiers have fought long and hard. I wish to sign the discharge for each man, so that he will leave the army knowing that I appreciate his work and that I have personally looked upon his name and testified to his honorable conduct.'
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