Lot 216
Huntington, Samuel (1731-1796), Connecticut signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, President of Continental Congress (1779-1781), first U.S. Governor of Connecticut. Printed Document Signed, one page, 8½ x 13, no place, no date. "In Congress Wednesday. April 3, 1776. Instructions to the Commanders of Private Ships or Vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, authorising them to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes." with eleven separate paragraphs detailing procedures to be followed. Signed boldly at the bottom "Sam Huntington" next to the printed word "President". Fine condition.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
AN IMPORTANT CONGRESSIONAL ACT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE WAR.
Huntington was the President of the Continental Congress when the Articles of Confederation were ratified, March 1, 1781, and served with the title of "President of the United States in Congress Assembled". As a result, he is sometimes referred to as the first President of the United States.
There is no way to know exactly when Huntington signed this copy. He may have done so at the time the law was passed, or when he was elected to the Presidency of Congress, September 28, 1779 (as the law was still in effect), or at any time between.
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| Realized $4,250 |
