Revolutionary War general and founder of the military school that became West Point (1750-1806), who served as the first United States Secretary of War under President George Washington. Manuscript DS, signed “H. Knox, Sec'y of War,” one page both sides, 8 x 12.5, January 5, 1792. War Department document issued to "His Excellency The Governor of the State of New Hampshire," Josiah Bartlett, in part: "By the returns of Invalid Pensioners for the State of New Hampshire…it appears that Ezra Gates a Pensioner of said State died on the 31st July 1786 and was paid up till that time; in consequence of which his name was not inserted in the lists for the payments…From some documents produced, it also appears that said Ezra Gates is still living and a Resident of the county of Orange, State of Vermont, and by a certificate of said Joseph Pearson dated July 29th, 1790, it is certified that the pay of said Ezra Gates ceased on the 31st July 1786 'by reason of his removal out of the State.' As it is essential that this error should be rectified and the said Invalid enjoy the benefits of his Pension I request you Excellency will be pleased to direct that an official return may be made thereof to this office, in order that he may be included in the list for payments due on the 5th of March next." In very good to fine condition, with toning to the first page, and several pieces of old tape along the spine.
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