Lot 287
Huntington, Samuel (1731-1796) American patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, served as President of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, and Governor of Connecticut. Printed broadside signed ("Saml Huntington") as President of the Continental Congress, probably 1779-1780; 1 page, 13 x 8 ½ in. Headed "In Congress, Wednesday, April 3, 1776. Instructions to the Commanders of Private Vessels of War, whish shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, authorising them to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes." A bright fresh copy with a bold signature of Huntington, President of the Continental Congress. Printed by John Dunlap, Philadelphia, 1776; Dunlap is credited with the first printing of the Declaration. Evans 15137.
This is in essence a license for naval vessels to attack and pillage. Congress had Dunlap prepare two documents date April 3, 1776 for privateers, one being the actual commission and the present piece giving detailed instructions as to the extent American vessels could seize, destroy, and vandalize the British Navy. Both were signed by Huntington as President of the Congress. According to Evans, the present printed form was reprinted and in use as late as 1780. Samuel Huntington represented Connecticut in Congress from 1775 until 1784; he signed the Declaration during that period and was chosen to succeed John Jay as President in 1779, so this document was probably signed between 1779-1780.
Privateers were ships owned by private parties, authorized by Congress under a letter of Marque to carry out operations of war. It was a very lucrative business. Between 1775 and 1785, as allowed by the official act of Congress delineated in this document, American privateers captured and/or destroyed about 600 British vessels, including 16 men of war, with goods and valuables amounting to an estimated $18,000,000.00.
This is an extremely rare document with Evans locating only one other, that being the Library of Congress copy.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $7,200 |
