Revolutionary War
- May 5, 2025
- 15 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
John Hancock
On April 19, 1775, the day on which the Battles of Lexington and Concord began, William Bridge (1741-1804) mustered into service as adjutant for Colonel Ephraim Doolittle. He was elected Adjutant of the 7th Middlesex County Regiment on June 20, 1778.
Condition: Moderately toned, with smoothed folds. Some separations at the margins, with paper loss at the bottom right corner. Slight foxing, throughout. The paper backing of the frame has a tear at the bottom margin. Property from the Michael Freedman Collection.
John Hancock
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Henry Knox
Henry Knox Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto and verso, 8 x 12 5/8 inches; Philadelphia; June 19, 1791. Addressed to Major General John Brooks, Knox discusses the arrangement of a militia regiment. It reads in part: "I have received your favor dated the 14th. Although I conceived in some points of view the L regiment might not be equal to your desires, yet in others...you should have the opportunity of judging for yourself. I am persuaded you have decided properly...to your own prospects, which I am happy to learn are so good for the public. I regret that it cannot avail itself of the appearance of so valuable an officer. But I do not believe the claims...are such in this moment, as to require individuals to make great additional sacrifices." Signed, "Knox."
Following the Revolutionary War, Brooks continued to serve in the militia and rose to the position of major general in the Middlesex Division. In early 1792 Henry Knox offered him the rank of brigadier general in the Legion of the United States, but Brooks refused. This letter may be relating to that business as "Private" is written by Knox along the top edge.
Condition: Lightly toned with a few scattered stains. Flattened folds with a few pinholes at intersections, small separation at bottom right margin and minor offsetting at bottom left margin of recto. Text shows through on both sides, and pencil notation at bottom right margin of verso.
Henry Knox
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Patrick Henry 1736 - 1799
Patrick Henry Autograph Document Signed. One page, 8 x 8 1/2 inches, [Virginia]; March 3, 1770. A memorandum entirely in Henry's hand regarding the transfer of land between Patrick Henry and William Christian, with a second full signature in the text.
The document reads, in part: "Memorandum of agreement Between Patrick Henry + W'm Christian is Thus they have exchanged Lands, vg. the s'd Henry to convey to said Christian a Tract of Land on the head of Moccison creek containing 1400 acres, another Between Davis of the Road Oak of between nine hundred thousand acres - also a third of about the acre quantity called the Holly Bottom on Holston." Signed, "P. Henry" and "W'm Christian."
William Christian (circa 1742-1786) was a Virginia military officer, planter, and politician. He served as a captain under Colonel William Byrd during the Anglo-Cherokee War (1758-1761). In the mid-1760s, Christian studied law under Patrick Henry and later married Henry's sister, Annie. During the American Revolutionary War, he played a critical role in negotiating the Treaty of Long Island of the Holston in 1777. This treaty with the Cherokee Nation was vital for securing the western frontier during the war. After the war, Christian helped established Fort William, Kentucky, with the intent of strengthening defenses against Native American attacks. He was killed in a skirmish against Native Americans north of the Ohio River in 1786 during an expedition.
Condition: Moderately toned. Smoothed folds, with long separations thereat. The separations are touching text, but do not affect its readability. Wear at the margins, resulting in paper loss. Slight foxing, throughout. Several tape reinforcements and a paper strip along the top on verso.
Patrick Henry
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Henry Lighthorse Lee
Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee Autograph Letters (2) Signed, with a Letter from his Son, Henry "Dark-Horse Harry" Lee. Three letters totaling five pages (various sizes). The first two letters, dated August 10, 1793 and October 12, 1795, are written by Henry Lee III, General Robert E. Lee's father, regarding the sale and transfer of land. The third, dated December 18, 1819, was penned by his son, Henry Lee IV.
In his letter dated August 10, 1793 (two pages, 8 1/4 x 13 inches, "Washington" [D.C.]), Henry Lee III writes to fellow Virginian politician Alexander Scott Bullitt: "In examination, I find I made an Entry for you on the 25th of Nov'r 1783, for about 7 or 8000 As on the N. fork of Sinking which stands in the Name of your Father, I shall survey it & send it forward & will thank you to write to the Register Authorizing him to issue the grant to me, the letter you wrote him by me will answer every purpose for those that stand in your own name. Speculating Lands has taken a surprising fall in Philld'a it is to be owen to some publication of the French Minister, warning his people against the grant which was then practicing by R.M. & others of that place be this as it may, I am pretty deeply in for it, I unfortunately saw Triplett before I heard this news & have purchased his part of the 20,000 made for himself & your father." Signed, "Henry Lee."
Lee wrote Bullitt again on October 12, 1795 (one page, 7 1/2 x 7 3/4 inches, no place), in part: "Humphrey Marshall Esqrs on behalf of Mr. Ja's Marshall & myself have made a a [sic] division of a Survey made in your Name for 2253 acres; on the Kentucky River & Cedar Creek, I am indeed to believe the Grant for this tract of land issued before your letter reach the register if so please to convey to James Marshall an order one Moiety of the aforesaid Survey: to be taken off the Southwest End: by a line running of right Angles: N.W. & S.E..." Signed, "Henry Lee."
Both Lee and Bullitt were prolific landowners, investing in properties across the early United States. Their investments solidified their families' lasting legacies, as the land they owned was passed to their sons and maintained until the outbreak of the Civil War. In the letter from Lee's son, Henry Lee IV, dated December 18, 1819 (two pages of a bifolium, 8 x 10 inches, "Washington" [D.C.]), he writes to Bullitt's son, William, to discuss a lawsuit brought against him for land his father purchased. The letter reads, in large part: "Your fav'r of the 28th ult. came to hand some time pas'd I have delayed the answer to obtain further information & find I was correct in my former information that the 1920 acre tract does not interfere with Moore & from the connection which I have inspected it must be near two miles from it. It is true that your father transfered [sic] one undivided moiety of his tract to Gustavus Scott & the other moiety to myself many years ago. It has appeared very extraordinary to me why your father sho'd have been made a defendant when he had long before divested himself of the title; & the deed to myself is recorded in the Gen'l Courts Clerks office. Moore has amended his Bill and made me a defendant I intent to answer & deny the interference which I know to be the fact, & will it not be extraordinary if the court should decree you or myself to pay cost on a false charge by the complainant."
Condition: All letters are slightly toned, with smoothed folds, as expected. August 10 letter has small pencil notations on the recto, not touching text. Some wear at the right margin, with slight separations not touching text. Docketed on the verso. August 10 and October 12 letters are reinforced with tape at the left margin on the verso. August 10 letter has remnants of sealing wax on both sides, with paper loss at the edge of the wax remnant near the bottom margin, obscuring some text. Small pencil notations present throughout. Rust stains on the recto at top and left margins. With integral address panel on the verso. December 18 letter has some ink smudging, not affecting the readability of the text. Slight separations at the creases, with some staining and discoloration throughout. With integral address panel and remnants of sealing wax on page four.
Henry, "Light Horse" Lee
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
General Artemas Ward
1727 - 1800
The American Revolutionary War began with the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. After this encounter, the colonial forces pursued the British troops back to Boston and initiated the Siege of Boston, effectively cutting off all land access to the city. Initially, General Ward led the colonial forces from his sickbed in Shrewsbury, later relocating his headquarters to Cambridge. During this time, he was named the commander of the forces from both New Hampshire and Connecticut participating in the siege. His primary focus was on organizing and addressing supply issues.In May, additional British forces arrived by sea, and General Ward learned of their plan to attack Bunker Hill in June. He issued orders to fortify the area, leading to the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, where command responsibilities were shared among General Israel Putnam and Colonel William Prescott.Around the same time, the Continental Congress was forming the Continental Army, and on June 17, they appointed Ward as a major general, making him second in command to General George Washington. He was among the original four major generals in the Continental Army alongside Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam. Over the following nine months, Ward played a crucial role in transforming the assembled militia units into a more organized and cohesive Continental Army.When the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, Washington led the main body of the army to New York City. Meanwhile, General Ward assumed command of the Eastern Department and held this position until March 1777 when he had to resign from the army due to declining health.
General Artemas Ward
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Paul Revere 1735 - 1818
18th century gold brooch featuring a painted portrait miniature of a gentleman under convex glass. The reverse is stamped twice with the “PR” maker’s mark used by Boston silversmith and patriot Paul Revere (1735–1818). The brooch setting is constructed in high-karat gold, not tested, and reflects period construction techniques consistent with late 18th century American goldsmith work. The portrait is painted in watercolor and housed in a closed-back mount. The portrait may have been done by John Singleton Copley. Revere often provided cases for Copley's miniatures, and extant account books document Copley's patronage of his work from 1763 to 1767. The entries are for gold bracelets, gold cases for pictures, silver and gold picture frames, and glass, all of which Copley paid for in cash. That the picture frames were intended for miniatures and not for large oils is evident from the low prices listed-which average about three pounds. Another potential portrait artist is Joseph Dunkerley, he is known to have rented a house from Paul Revere, and Revere himself created some of the cases for Dunkerley’s miniatures. But the portrait was most likely was done by Lawrence Sully. The brooch was not opened. 2"h x 1.5"w and 10.0 dwt. Provenance: Weiss-Harmen Collection.
Paul Revere Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania fractional currency notes. Includes two A. Puwelle 2-cent notes, a 3-cent note, Harvey, Birch & Bro 3-cent and 2-cent notes, and one Portsmouth Savings Fund Society 15-cent note, 1861. 10"h x 12"w
(3) American paper currency notes, including New Jersey three shillings note dated March 25, 1776, printed by Isaac Collins in Burlington, NJ; a Continental Currency eight dollars note, dated May 9, 1776, printed by Hall & Sellers in Philadelphia; and a Continental Currency thirty dollars note, dated September 26, 1778, also printed by Hall & Sellers.
Philadelphia framed document and group of fractional currency, signed by William Will, late 18th c., together with a bill of sale, signed by Willim (sic) McQuilkin. Provenance: Pook & Pook, "Collection of Lester and Barbara Breininger" 2011
Sir William Howe 1729-1814
Autograph of William Howe (1729-1814), British Army officer and politician who was Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in America during the American War of Independence. Letter requesting a warrant for British officer reading “Impregnable, Spithead 15 Jan 94, Rcvd 16th, Sir, I am to request you will pleasure to Grant a Warrant, to John Huggard now acting as Armourer, onboard His Majesty’s Ship Impregnable under my Command and in so doing you will greatly Oblige. Sir, Your most Obedient. Humble Servant, G.B. Westcott. Agustus Rogers Esq.” Letter is docketed and signed on reverse “17 Jany 1794. Ordered a Warrant and that Captain Westcott be acquainted therewith. W. Howe. Letter wrote. Warrant signed & Letter wrote”. George B. Westcott (1745?-1798) A noted British naval officer that served in various positions/ranks from 1768 when he joined the navy at the age of 23 until he was killed in action while serving with Nelson at the Battle of the Nile. Letter measures 12.25” x 8”. Letter presents Britannia watermark and exhibits folds and some light staining on edges. Provenance: Gibbs family collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Members of the Gibbs family, most notably Alvin J Gibbs and James W. Gibbs were discerning and dedicated collectors of autographs and other antiques. The Gibbs family founded the Gibbs Manufacturing Company of Canton, Ohio in 1829 that evolved over the years from farming implement manufacture to notions and toys.
General Sir William Howe was the British Commander-in-Chief in North America during the American Revolution (1775-1778), achieving major victories like taking New York and Philadelphia but failing to crush the rebellion, leading to his resignation amid criticism for perceived lack of aggression, despite winning most battles against Washington. He was an experienced officer who replaced Thomas Gage but grew frustrated with the British government, resigning in 1778 after the Philadelphia campaign, ultimately paving the way for Henry Clinton and contributing to the American resolve that led to French intervention.
Sir William Howe 1729-1814 Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Col. Zabdial Rogers 1780 At the Battle of Groton Heights / burning of New London by Benedict Arnold.
Norwich 20 June 1780
Regimental Order The Captain of the Commanding Officer of each Company in the 20th Regiment are ordered to make a return to the Adjutant according to law of the Number & State of their respective companies by Thursday the 22nd of June instant at One of the Clock in the afternoon.
Col. Zabdiel Rogers 1737 - 1808
Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
General Nathaniel Greene
1742-1786
Twice signed, Autographs of Nathanael Greene (1742-1786) American military officer, farmer and general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Autograph ALS (autographed letter signed) dated Newport, March 31st 1784 to Mr. Robert Gibbs, Charleston. Letter reads “Dear Sir, I send you Copies of papers responding Col. Fenwick with a Certificate to proceed on. I hope they will come timely to answer his wishes. I would have sent them earlier but have had no good opportunity. I beg compliments to your family and am Sir with esteem your most obedt. Humble serv. Nath. Green”. Letter presents integral cover addressed to “Mr. Robert Gibbs, Charleston” and is signed by Nathanael Green and noted “Public Service”.
Letter measures 12” x 7.5”, exhibits folds, some toning, old-style museum paper reinforcing to edges and presents a two strong ink signatures. During the American Revolution, Robert Gibbs and his wife were among those sheltering at Kiawah Island in 1782 to recover from illness, along with many of General Nathaniel Greene's officers. Provenance: Gibbs family collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Members of the Gibbs family, most notably Alvin J Gibbs and James W. Gibbs were discerning and dedicated collectors of autographs and other antiques. The Gibbs family founded the Gibbs Manufacturing Company of Canton, Ohio in 1829 that evolved over the years from farming implement manufacture to notions and toys.
Major General Nathanael Greene was an American military officer and planter who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Wikipedia
Born: August 7, 1742, Potowomut, Warwick, RI
Died: June 19, 1786 (age 43 years), Mulberry Grove, GA
Children: Nathaniel Ray Greene, Martha Washington Greene · See more
Parents: Mary Mott
Spouse: Catharine Littlefield Greene (m. 1774–1786)
Place of burial: Johnson Square, Savannah, GA
General Nathaniel Greene 1742-1786 Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Oliver Ellsworth 1745 - 1807
Oliver Ellsworth 1776 Manuscript Bond to Raise a New Regiment in the 4th Connecticut Battalion
Revolutionary War. Manuscript Document Signed by Oliver Ellsworth as "O. Ellsworth," William Nichols as "Wm. Nichols," Eliphalet Thorp as "Eliphalet Thorp," and Samuel Osborn as "Saml. Osborn," 1p, 6.75" x 11", Connecticut, December 31, 1776. Written completely in the hand of Ellsworth. Paper-covered red wax seal at lower right corner. Docketed at verso. Flattened folds and light creases. Minor edge chipping with a small tear at top. Age toning and scattered foxing. In very good plus condition and boldly signed.
Eliphalet Thorp of Fairfield, CT, and Samuel Osborn of New Haven, CT, "are holden & bound to the Governor & Company of the State of Connecticut in the Sum of One Thousand Pounds Lawful mony...the above bounden Eliphalet Thorp is appointed Capt. of a Company in the 4 Battalion now raising & ordered to receive & pay out monies for enlisting sd. Company..."
Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807) was a drafter of the United States Constitution, and the third Chief Justice of the United States. He and William Nichols (1742-1782?) were members of the Connecticut Pay Table. In 1776, Eliphalet Thorp (1740-1795) was commissioned captain of the 4th Company, 4th Regiment of Militia, and he and Samuel Osborn (1746-1817) were to receive a stipend of £1000 to enlist in the company, according to the direction of the Acts of the General Assembly.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
Oliver Ellsworth 1745 - 1807 Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Dolley Madison
1768 - 1849
A manuscript poem penned by former first lady Dolley Madison, signed at conclusion as "D. P. Madison" and addressed to one Mrs. Burnell. 1p, measuring 8.75" x 10.5", n.p., February 9, 1848. Dated one year before her death, Madison's prose offers a lyrical view on the power of music. Exhibits uneven toning from prior matting, with areas of minor foxing and light smudging near signature. Isolated tape remnants present to upper corners of verso. Otherwise, very good.
The poem reads in full:
"Temper! Thy power more magical
Than that which graced of old Amphion's lyre
Can savage hearts with wond'rous spell enthral [sic];
Can clear suspicion's wish with gladdening fire;
Can chain in rosy bonds impetuous ire;
Can melt the ice bound heart of cold disdain;
Can dying love with vital breath inspire;
From every passion pluck the cancerous pain-
And seeming still to yield, lend captive all the train."
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
Dolley Madisonn.p., n.d. [ca. 1808]Dolley Madison Partial Letter to Anthony Morris re: His Daughter's "Indisposition" & "the beauty of dancing" ManuscriptAn unsigned holograph letter from Dolley Madison to her longtime friend Anthony Morris (1766-1860) explaining an incident involving his daughter at a recent ball. 1p of watermarked paper [ca. 1808], measuring 7.75" x 9.5", n.p., n.d. The letter's watermark dates this correspondence around 1808, likely written during James Madison's run for the presidency and predating her time as first lady. Twice docketed on verso with the recipient's name. Exhibits flattened letter folds and areas of light foxing and staining throughout, not affecting text. Uneven tearing near left side margin. Evidence of archival repair at lower left corner of verso. Overall, very good with interesting contents.Reading in part:"You have always given me credit my dear friend, for a lively perception of what was right upon the strength of which I will assure you that your excellent letters to one beloved Phoebe was exactly such as I would have my sister, daughter, & friend follow to the very letter. I think however that you felt too acutely the trifling observations on her indisposition at Mr. Taylor's ball- every body in this place understood that she had danced too much & tho the incident was unpleasant to herself and me, I truly believe that no being in this place exposed a sentence on the subject that could wound the nicest sensibility… which in this forms the beauty of dancing."Anthony Morris (1766-1860) was a lawyer and merchant of Philadelphia who was active in the East India trade. A longtime friend of Dolley, his eldest child Phoebe (d. 1825) was treated by the Madison's as a surrogate daughter. In January 1812, Phoebe stayed with the President and First Lady for a span of three months, during which time she wrote to her family affectionately of Mrs. Madison. While the young girl never married, surviving correspondence between Dolley and Phoebe suggest an endeavor to create a match between her and John Payne Todd.This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
Dolley Todd Madison (née Payne; May 20, 1768 – July 12, 1849) was the wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. She was known for holding Washington social functions in which she invited members of both political parties, essentially spearheading the concept of bipartisan cooperation. Previous, founders such as Thomas Jefferson would only meet with members of one party at a time, and politics could often be a violent affair resulting in physical altercations and even duels. Madison helped to create the idea that members of each party could amicably socialize, network, and negotiate with each other without violence.[1] By innovating political institutions as the wife of James Madison, Dolley Madison did much to define the role of the president's spouse, known only much later by the title first lady—a function she had sometimes performed earlier for the widowed Thomas Jefferson.[2]
Madison also helped to furnish the newly constructed White House. When the British set fire to it in 1814, she was credited with saving Gilbert Stuart's 1796 portrait of George Washington; she directed her personal slave Paul Jennings to save it.[3] In widowhood, she often lived in poverty aggravated by her son John Payne Todd's alcoholism and mismanagement of their Montpelier plantation. To relieve her debts, she sold off the plantation, its remaining enslaved people, and her late husband's papers.
Surveys of historians conducted periodically by the Siena College Research Institute since 1982 have consistently found Madison to rank among the six most highly regarded first ladies by the assessments of historians.
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