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Heading: (American Revolution)
Author: Colfax, William
Title: Autograph Letter Signed by William Colfax, requesting the pay of several soldiers in George Washington's Life Guards, of which he was captain, to be made directly to him, with 7 partially printed pay receipts signed by Colfax
Place: Hartford, CT
Publisher:
Date: 1783
Item # : 206379
Sale Number   431
Lot Number   9
Sale Name    
Americana & World History: Books, Manuscripts & Ephemera from the Library of Calvin P. Otto
Sale Date   07/01/2010
Price realized   $ 300
(Includes 20% Buyer's Premium)

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Description:
ALS is 1 page, 23x17.5 cm. (9x6¾"). Partially printed receipts, filled out in ink, are approx. 14.5x18.1 cm. (5¾x7¼").
William Colfax (1756-1838), grandfather of Schuyler Colfax, was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the Continental Army. George Washington made him captain of his personal Life Guard. In this letter and documents are recorded payment of back pay for some of his men - the letter certifies their service, and is also signed by soldiers Peter Holt (his mark), Elihu Hancock, and Levi Dean, authorizing Colfax to receive their pay for them. Of the receipts, each of which is signed by Colfax, three are for Elihu Hancock, two for Peter Holt, one for Levi Dean, and one for Fred Park, although he is not mentioned in the letter. Each receipt is docketed on the reverse, and there is also a sheet docketing "Sundry Soldiers Receipts..." into which they had been folded.
Condition:
Letter with bottom and right edges ragged; very good or better.
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