Partly-printed DS, signed "Go: Washington," one page, 8.25 x 13.25, June 16, 1783. Washington discharges John Perry from military service. In full: "These are to Certify that the Bearer hereof John Perry Corpl, in the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment, having faithfully served the United States Eight Years & One Month, and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army." Signed in the middle of the document in ink by Washington and countersigned by John Trumbull and an Adjutant, who awards Perry the Badge of Merit for "six years faithful service." Printed on the reverse of the document is a statement reading, "The within certificate shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough." Docketing under the statement in a secretarial hand, dated January 8, 1807, reads, "This certifies that John Perry Corpl in the late Continental Army has received the benefit…Resolve of the General Court of this Commonwealth & this discharge is delivered by Directions." In very good condition, with silking to the reverse to repair and strengthen separations to intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered light toning, a bit heavier to left edge, and a few small areas of trivial paper loss along folds. All writing is a shade or two light, but completely readable.
The 8th Massachusetts Regiment was formed in April 1775, with Perry joining its ranks a month later and serving throughout the war until General Washington granted him this very discharge. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Bunker Hill, New York Campaign, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, and the Battle of Saratoga-meaning that the original recipient of this document likely would have crossed the Delaware with Washington on December 25, 1776. The regiment was furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York, and four days later Washington released this particular soldier from military service. An incredible associative piece of the richest period in American history! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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