- More
Oliver Ellsworth Revolutionary War-date Manuscript Document Signed "Oliv. Ellsworth". One page, 8.5" x 5.5", Hartford, C...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.Description
Just one month after the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, Oliver Ellsworth authorizes payment for a unit of Minutemen from East Hampton, Connecticut, who had rushed to the defense of Boston
Oliver Ellsworth Revolutionary War-date Manuscript Document
Signed "Oliv. Ellsworth". One page, 8.5" x 5.5",
Hartford, Connecticut, July 25, 1775, addressed to John Lawrence,
the Treasurer of the Connecticut Paytable Committee. At the
outbreak of the Revolution, Oliver Ellsworth represented Windsor in
the General Assembly, and was one of the committee of four ("The
Paytable") that managed all the military finances of the
Connecticut colony. This document authorizes payment for a
contingent of Chatham (now East Hampton), Connecticut militiamen,
who had just taken part in the historic Battle of Bunker Hill. The
document reads: "Pay to the Select Men of Chatham or order the
Sum of Twenty Eight pound ten Shilling & Eight pence mony in
Bills-it being the amt. of what is allowd. Capt. Silas Dunham &
Company for Time & Expence in the Late Boston Alarm as per acct. &
charge the same to Acct. of the Colony of Connect." The
document is countersigned by committee member Thomas Seymour and
docketed by Silas Dunham on the verso.The Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775) occurred outside British-occupied Boston early in the Revolutionary War. The British sent several of their best generals to put down the burgeoning American rebellion. The generals concluded that an attack on Cambridge must be mounted as soon as possible. Before the plan could be put into effect, rebel spies in Boston learned of it. On the starlit night of June 16, 1,200 American militiamen, armed with picks and shovels, advanced to fortify Bunker's Hill. Neither a British artillery bombardment nor a frontal assault by 2,400 British soldiers under the command of General William Howe could dislodge the Americans. The main American position of 1,600 men turned back two more advances by British troops who were in tight formation and burdened by heavy packs. General Howe then ordered his soldiers to drop their packs and rush forward in a bayonet charge. By the time they reached the American redoubt, the rebels' supply of powder had given out. The resulting American retreat became a near rout. Howe, though, decided against pressing on toward Cambridge and stopped the pursuit. The British won at a horrible cost. The battle had destroyed the British myth that Americans could not stand against the regulars. Manuscripts with a direct association to the Battle of Bunker Hill are exceedingly rare. In near fine condition with bright paper and bold ink.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Currency
Ends on 04/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/22/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/22/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/25/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/27/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/29/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/30/2021
Illustration Art
Ends on 04/30/2021
Entertainment
Ends on 05/01/2021
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 05/02/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/06/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 05/06/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/07/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 05/12/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/15/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/16/2021
Currency
Ends on 05/16/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/22/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/23/2021
Historical
Opens about 04/26/2021
Manuscripts
Opens about 04/30/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/28/2021
Silver
Opens about 04/29/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 04/22/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 05/06/2021
Space
Opens about 05/03/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 04/30/2021
Historical
Opens about 05/03/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/23/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/04/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/05/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/12/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/14/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/21/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 05/17/2021
Arms & Armor
Opens about 05/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/08/2021
Rare Books
Opens about 05/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/19/2021
Photography
Opens about 05/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/20/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/15/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/28/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/26/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 05/28/2021
Nature & Science
Opens about 05/27/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 06/03/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/28/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 05/28/2021
Historical
Opens about 06/01/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The pre and post sales experience was wonderful and flawless. Heritage has the best in-house operation I have ever seen and their people are not only professional but fun to work with, especially Steve C.View More Testimonials
As for Heritage's online system… Yes the interface is more complex than what we are used to with SAN but what is behind that interface is amazing for sellers and buyers alike. It is real time and for a real serious auction buyer there is nothing better in the auction industry, bar none.
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)