Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42014

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42014

[Revolutionary War]. John Graves Simcoe Manuscript Parole Document Signed ("J. G. Simcoe"). One page, 7 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches; Trenton, New Jersey; October 29, 1779. Mounted to a slightly larger sheet at the top edge only, to an overall size of 7 7/8 x 5 3/8 inches. Docketed on the verso.

A parole document signed by Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe, commander of the Queen's Rangers, just three days after his capture during a skirmish in central New Jersey. It reads, in full:

"I John Graves Simcoe Lt. Colonel of the Queens Rangers do acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the State of New Jersey, and do engage to his Excellency Governor Livingston or to the Governor of the time being of said State of New Jersey, upon the word and Honour of a Gentleman, that I will not say or do anything prejudicial to the Interest of the United States of America, and will conduct myself in every respect, as a prisoner ought to do and that I will remove to Bordentown and confine myself to the House of Col. Oakey Hogeland at said place untill I receive directions from his Excellency William Livingston Esq., or the Governor for the time being.

Given at Trenton Oct. 29, 1779.

J. G. Simcoe
Lt. Col. Queens Rangers."

Simcoe, a career British officer who had served at the Siege of Boston, was given command of the Queen's Rangers in October 1777. The regiment became one of the most active Loyalist units in the war, participating in numerous engagements, including the Battles of Crooked Billet and Monmouth.

His capture followed what is now known as Simcoe's Raid. On October 26, 1779, Simcoe led approximately eighty men from Staten Island into central New Jersey, launching an attack that included the burning of Patriot supplies stored in a Dutch Reformed church at Finderne, as well as the release of Loyalist prisoners from the Somerset County Courthouse. During the raid, however, Simcoe was captured by forces under Armand Tuffin de La Rouërie.

Simcoe was later released via a prisoner exchange in December 1779 and returned to active service. He later participated in operations in Virginia, including the Raid on Richmond with Benedict Arnold in January 1781, subsequent actions near Williamsburg, and the Siege of Yorktown. After the war, he went on to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada.

A compelling and well-preserved document from an infamous loyalist unit, signed by the commander himself.

Condition: Good, with age-commensurate wear. Mounted to a larger sheet at the top edge only. Toned throughout with minor mat burn at the edges. Flattened folds with a separation right edge; prior separation at the left edge repaired with cello tape on the verso. Mounting pinhole at the center of the top edge. Overall, an attractive and very legible piece.

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