Third chief justice of the United States (1745-1807) and delegate to the Constitutional Congress who later submitted the amendments which became the Bill of Rights. Revolutionary War-dated manuscript DS, signed "O. Ellsworth," one page, 8.25 x 5, May 10, 1776. Pay order issued to Treasurer John Lawrence, in part: "Pay Capt. Thaddeus Lacy Twenty pounds for a Premium for 50 minute men (whereof he is Capt.) Enlisted, Equip'd, return'd, & form'd pursuant to a Late Act of Assembly for raising minute men &c, & charge the colony." Signed at the conclusion by Oliver Ellsworth and Ezekiel Williams as members of the Pay-Table Committee. The reverse has been endorsed by Captain Thaddeus Lacy to confirm receipt of the funds. Impressively matted and framed so that the reverse can be seen, and hinged against a large 39.5 x 28.5 framed display featuring two images and two engraved plaques, one transcribing the document and the other discussing its historical context. In fine condition, with light show-through from the writing on the reverse.
Ellsworth served on Connecticut's Pay-Table Committee during the American Revolution, a board of four members who rotated throughout the conflict with England. Rather than levying heavy taxes, the colonies relied upon wealthy revolutionists and foreign loans to meet their immediate needs, such as wages for soldiers. Connecticut followed the lead of Massachusetts, raising a militia of 'minutemen,' volunteer troops who were prepared to take up arms at a moment's notice. A day before Ellsworth signed this pay order, the Connecticut General Assembly passed an 'act for raising and equipping a body of minute men, to be held in readiness, for the better defence of this colony,' offering premiums to those who joined or raised new militia companies. A significant document from a most historic period of early American history.
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