[December 25, 1776] Connecticut Express Rider Reported Dangers To Townspeople While Riding His Horse

While Paul Revere is often credited as the sole rider who alerted the colonies that the British were coming, there were many riders who rode on horseback on the night of April 18 and in the years following, warning the colonists of the approach and movement of the British forces and the dangers lying ahead.  Benjamin Brewster was one of these important riders. The pay order offered here carries the important historic date – December 25, 1776 – when George Washington crossed the Delaware.  Brewster was likely being paid for rides made before that time.  Still, the date is rare on documents.

“Sir pay out of the publick Treas’y of this State To Mr. Benjamin Brewster of Windham Six Shilling, it being for his riding post on publick matters for this state and Charge the same.

“Jed A. Elderkin, Jus of Peace

“To John Lawrence

“Treasury of the State of Connecticut

“Windham, Decem’r 25^th – 1776”

JEDEDIAH ELDERKIN served as a justice of the peace in Windham for 30 years. He was an ardent Patriot and during the Revolutionary War, he served on the Governor’s Safety Committee. In 1775, the General Assembly commissioned Elderkin Colonel of the 5^th regiment of Connecticut Militia. His last important public service was a member of the convention to ratify the Constiution of the United States.

Toning, some staining. Fold breaks have been repaired with archival tape. Nice docketing on verso. Comes with a cover, which also carries the important date of December 25^th, 1776.

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