Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware (1728–1784), military officer, Continental Congressman, and President of Delaware. Revolutionary War-dated manuscript DS, one page, 8 x 6.5, May 25, 1780. Document requesting payment to Colonel French for the expenses of the president and secretary of Delaware. In part: "Please to pay to Col. French Battell…the sum of One Hundred and Ninety Three Pounds Seventeen shillings out of the Public Money in your hands…the said Sum being for Expenses of the President and Secretary while attending on the Business of the Supply Law." Signed at the conclusion by Rodney as president of Delaware. In very good condition, with two vertical folds, one through a single letter of signature, uniform toning, with a few heavier spots, a single tack hole to both top corners, a couple light pencil notations along bottom, and some show-through from heavier soiling on reverse.
In his capacity as president of Delaware and as Major-General of the Delaware militia, Rodney regularly scoured the state for money, supplies, and soldiers to support the Revolutionary War effort, including "attending on the Business of the Supply Law." Although once serving alongside George Washington, Rodney was soon sent back to Delaware, where his leadership was badly needed to protect the state from British military intrusions and to control continued loyalist activity. To be sure, Delaware troops had fought the good fight many times, from the Battle of Long Island to the Battle of Monmouth, but in 1780 the army suffered its worst defeat at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina. The small Delaware regiment was nearly destroyed, and the remnant was so reduced it could only fight with a Maryland regiment for the remainder of the war. An interesting war-dated document from a Declaration of Independence Signer and war hero. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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