Partly-printed DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 6.25 x 7.75, June 5, 1783. Continental Army military discharge headed “By His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.” In part: “These are to certify that the Bearer hereof John Yearty Sol'dr in the New Jersey Regiment, having faithfully served the United States six years and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by General Washington, and countersigned below by Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. On the reverse is a statement noting that the certificate "shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace," and that he is to be considered on furlough until that time. In good condition, with trimmed edges, some mounting remnants on the reverse, and heavy staining affecting appearance.
As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, General Washington took it upon himself to organize and train his soldiers. By war's end, this highly disciplined and hands-on approach carried over into Washington insisting on signing every discharge certificate personally. Dating to the end of the Revolutionary War and featuring a bold signature of the nation's first commander-in-chief, this is an immensely desirable discharge for one of America’s veteran patriots. From the Collection of Dr. Lawrence E. Miller.
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