Lot 75
Laurens, Henry -- Unaccomplished Military Commission Signed as President of the Continental Congress (1724-92) American merchant, planter, and statesman who served as president of the Continental Congress (1777-78). Document signed "Henry Laurens" as President of the Continental Congress, one page, 8 3/8 x 13 3/8". An unaccomplished military commission, countersigned by Charles Thomson, Secretary, at lower left. Lightly toned; one small tape repair noted on verso, else fine. Both signatures are very bold.
In August 1780, as Laurens travelled to Holland to negotiate a $10,000 loan on behalf of Congress, he was captured by the British and imprisoned in the Tower of London. When a draft of a proposed treaty between the Americans and the Dutch was found in his papers, war broke out between Great Britain and Holland. On Dec. 31, 1781, he was released on parole and finally exchanged for British general Charles Cornwallis. Estimate Value $1,500 - UP
Christie's New York, June 14, 2006, lot 561.
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| Realized $938 |
