Revolutionary War-dated partly-printed DS, one page, 13 x 8.5, April 10, 1777. As president of the Continental Congress, Hancock appoints Alexander Murray "to be Captain of the seventh Company in the first Maryland Regiment." Boldly signed at the conclusion by John Hancock, and countersigned by Charles Thomson as secretary. Attractively mounted and matted with a portrait to an overall size of 27 x 16.75. In fine condition, with rough edges, reinforced by complete archival backing.
A distinguished American naval officer, Alexander Murray (1755-1821) served in the Revolutionary War, the Quasi-War with France, and the First Barbary War in North Africa. In 1776, soon after the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the 21-year-old Murray was appointed a lieutenant in the Continental Navy. There being no posts available, Murray declined the offer of a letter of marque, and instead gained a commission as a lieutenant in the 1st Maryland Regiment under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. He saw action at the Battle of White Plains in October 1776—after which he was promoted to captain—as was his friend and fellow lieutenant of the Maryland Line, James Monroe.
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