The state of Connecticut provided some notable figures in the
Revolutionary War and the political narratives of the day. The document offered here – 16 ½” x 20 ¾” –
lists more than a dozen pieces of property owned by the state, including
acreage and amount each tract sold for. The
money was to be used by the School Fund, which held such revenue for the use of
schools. The document is signed JAMES HILLHOUSE AND ISAAC SPENCER. Dates on verso range from 1815-1823.
HILLHOUSE (1754-1832) was a well-known Federalist who
was a delegate to the Hartford Convention, a group of New Englanders who were
thought by some to be treasonous for their grievances, including opposition to
the War of 1812, and their recommended amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Hillhouse, who was a member of the U.S.
Senate, was appointed as Commissioner of the (CT) School Fund and signed this
document as commissioner.
SPENCER (c. 1719-October 16, 1840) was a major and an
aid-de-camp to his father General Joseph Spencer during the Revolutionary War.
Spencer first enlisted on May 9, 1775, at East Haddam, CT. He was discharged
and subsequently re-entered, joining the company of Capt. Elijah Smith, Col.
Thaddeus Cook’s Regiment. In December 1776, he was dismissed to become clerk
and secretary to Gen. Spencer and served in Providence, R.I. He received a
commission as major signed by John Hancock and was then appointed Aid-de-Camp
to his father. He served during the various alarms, including when the enemy,
led by traitor Benedict Arnold, burned New London to eliminate the Continental
Army’s supplies.
The document is very nicely executed. Some chipping on edges.
One vertical separation fold reinforced with archival tape. Folds and expected
toning.
Everything we sell is guaranteed
authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 14-day return policy.
If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us
immediately (617-236-4893). Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The
Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club and The Ephemera
Society.