Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
Document Signed “Joseph Leigh” 1pg., 7-1/2” x 10-1/2”, May 1, 1778, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This important document states “Know all Men by these Presents that I, Joseph Leigh of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, are holden and stand bound unto the Honble Henry Laurens Esq., President of the Continental Congress, or his Successor in Office in the Sum of Five Thousand Dollars, to which payment well & truly be made and done, I the said Joseph Leigh do bind myself, my Heirs, Executors & Administrators firmly by these presents. Signed with my hand and sealed with my seals: Dated at Portsmouth May first Anno Dom: one Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight. The Condition of this obligation is such that the above bounden, Joseph Leigh, shall well & truly execute the Office & Trust of an Assistant Commissary Officer, in the American Army, According to the Resolutions of Congress, regulating that Department then this present obligation to be void and of none effect, but in default, thereof, shall stand, remain & abide in full force, strength, power & virtue.” A few weeks later, the New Hampshire Committee of Safety wrote to Leigh, stating that “You are hereby appointed Commissary, to proceed immediately to that post of the Continental Army where the regiments from this state are stationed - to take charge of, & Issue such stores as may be sent there from this state - and you are to observe such orders and instructions as you may from time to time receive from the General Assembly of this state or in the recess thereof from their Committee of Safety - or at any time from the board of war for this State in regard to any matters or things deliver to your care & charge - and you are to render a particular account of your Conduct in and about yr premises and make remittances for the stores delivered to your charge as aforesaid agreeable to the instructions from time to time sent you as aforesaid - and you are to be allowed and paid for your time & expense while in said service, such wages as the issuing Commissarys for the other New England States have & receive for similar services.” There is a paper seal to the right of the Leigh autograph and a small label on the top margin. An unusual Revolutionary War financial document.
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