Books and Manuscripts

Debt Certificate issued to General Israel Putnam for his Service to the Continental Army

Connecticut, June 1, 1780. One oblong sheet, 4 x 7 5/8 in. (102 x 194 mm). Partially-printed State of Connecticut debt certificate (Numb. 10,898), issued to General Israel Putnam, "who hath served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, the Sum of Three hundred (twenty) eight pounds five shills & two pence...," signed by J(ohn). Lawrence as Treasurer; canceled at center with circular perforation; inscribed on verso registering various interest payments, from June 1781-July 1789, by John and William Lawrence and Richard Butler. Creasing from contemporary folds, small separations along edges of same. Anderson CT 18, first printing

A rare debt certificate issued to legendary American Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam (1718-1790) for his service in the Continental Army, issued six months following his paralyzing stroke that ended his military career. A prosperous farmer, tavern keeper, and veteran of the French and Indian War, Putnam was one of the first three Major Generals appointed by the Continental Congress in 1775, and the only other general apart from George Washington to be voted in unanimously. He had a rustic and non-elitist demeanor when commanding his troops, characteristics that led to him becoming one of the most beloved American officers among the soldiers of the Continental Army.

"Treasury certificate, unspecified interest, for service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental army, payable in 'Gold or Silver, or Bills of Credit,' printed date June 1, 1780, signed by Lawrence (nos. 1-18,100)...Soldiers or their dependents usually received four such notes to cover the balance due them; each note was redeemable in a different year...These were printed two notes to a sheet with each plate position producing a different printing variation. For position 1 the final lone of the text reads 'of May last,' while position 2 has 'May last' on the final line." (William G. Anderson, The Price of Liberty: The Public Debt of the American Revolution, Charlottesville 1983)