Virginia-born Revolutionary War officer (1752–1818) whose success in capturing crucial lands in the Northwest Territory greatly weakened British control and influence and earned him the sobriquet “Conqueror of the Old Northwest.” Scarce war-dated manuscript DS, signed “G. R. Clark,” one page, 8.5 x 3.5, the reverse docketed September 19, 1781. In full: “Issue a bottle of rum to the Kaskaskia Chief.” The document is also initialed by one other and bears the notation in another hand “Del[ivere]d 37 pints rum.” A few months earlier, in July, Clark had led troops in the successful capture of Kaskaskia and several other villages, one of the most significant achievements in the war to that point. Accompanied by a folder from renowned dealer Forest H. Sweet (indicating likely provenance). In very good condition, with intersecting folds (touching signature; small edge separations) light soiling and staining, and toning. RRAuction COA.
