[Constitutional Convention, Articles Of Confederation] American Patriot, Spy, Major General Phelps Executes Legal Document

Maj. Gen. Noah Phelps (January 22, 1740-November 4, 1809) was a Yale graduate, a justice of the peace, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and a chair of the Simsbury (CT) community town meeting that passed the Articles of Confederation. Phelps was a patriot in 1776 and raised a militia company, mostly at his own expense, and was appointed captain. He served under Col. Ward, was at Fort Lee, joined George Washington’s army and was at the battles of Trenton and Princeton.  Phelps acted as a spy at Fort Ticonderoga, which had been occupied by the British. He had been sent out to reconnoiter and stopped at a local house where British soldiers were staying. He overheard them discuss conditions of the fort and their position. The next morning, Phelps visited the fort disguised as a peddler. He pretended that his objective was to get shaved and had an opportunity to learn about construction of the garrison. Phelps returned safely to his command, reported his findings to Gen. Ethan Allen, which resulted in a great victory.

Offering a 1 3/4 x 8 partial document with Phelps’ signature. “Hartford County, Simsbury, August 9th, 1775, Personally appeared Capt. Noah Phelps the Signer and Sealer of the foregoing Instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free...Deed, before me John Owens, Justice of the Peace”

Center fold, not affecting either signature. Foxing.

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