Revolutionary War-dated manuscript DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 8.25 x 13, July 10, 1783. Military discharge reads, in full: “By His Excellency George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States: Robert Hargrove Soldier in the Third Regiment of Massachusetts, having been reported by a Board of Officers appointed for the Examination of the Invalids of the Army-as unfit for any further Duty either in the Field or Garrison—being lame—is hereby discharged from the service of the United States.” Mounted and nicely cloth matted and framed with a color portrait of Washington and a small plaque to an overall size of 28 x 25.5. It appears that the piece has undergone professional conservation work on the reverse to reinforce the folds and appears to have been backed, possibly to the entire document. Aforementioned restoration and backing, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a few small areas of paper loss along folds, and scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise very good condition.
In July 1783, the War of Independence was all but over and Washington was in his final days as commander of the Continental Army. Here, he discharges Robert Hargrove, a soldier in the Massachusetts regiment which saw action at the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Saratoga, among others, and one of the approximately 25,000 American troops injured during the war. Several months after he discharged Hargrove, Washington would disband his army and on December 23, 1783, famously resign his commission as commander-in-chief. An impressive endorsement by the victorious general signed with American independence at hand. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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