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Lot #445
George Washington’s Life Guard

Uncommon 1783 documents for “his Excellency General Washingtons life guard”

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Description

Uncommon 1783 documents for “his Excellency General Washingtons life guard”

Three Revolutionary War–dated one-page DSs concerning Henry Wakelee, a member of Washington’s guard: a manuscript certification of his service, signed by three selectmen and a justice of the peace, March 6, 1783, in full: “This may certifie that Henry Wakelee a Corpl in Collo Warners Regiment was in actual service in Jan’y 1780 and is now In his Excellency General Washingtons life guard”; and two partly-printed documents signed by Wakelee, both March 18, 1783, confirming that he received payment for balances due. In fine condition, with expected document wear and light toning. On March 11, 1776, Washington ordered the commanding officers in the Continental Army to nominate four men of high character from their regiments that would be selected from in order to form his personal guard. It went by several monikers, including ‘His Excellency's Guard,’ ‘The Washington Life Guard,’ and ‘Washington's Body Guard.’ An uncommon grouping on an interesting subject.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #458 - Ended August 12, 2015