1782 CT Revolutionary War Treasury Note Philip Gregory Connecticut Line Hartford For Sale

1782 Connecticut Revolutionary War Treasury Certificate – Philip Gregory

An exceptional and highly desirable Revolutionary War financial document issued June 1, 1782 by the State of Connecticut to Philip Gregory, a soldier of the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army.

This certificate represents deferred compensation for military service during the American Revolution and remained active for years, with a remarkable chain of treasury endorsements extending into the late 1780s. It is also worth noting that there is a legitimate possibility that Philip Gregory may have been African American. Connecticut fielded a significant number of Black soldiers in the Continental Line, and many such veterans are underrepresented or absent from surviving indexed records. The use of a “his mark” notation and the absence of detailed service records leave open the possibility that Gregory may have been among these men, though this cannot be definitively confirmed from the present document alone.

Unlike most surviving examples, this piece displays outstanding condition, strong eye appeal, and an unusually complete endorsement history, making it a superior specimen and an excellent candidate for professional grading.

FULL TRANSCRIPTION (FRONT)

State of Connecticut. Treasury-Office, June 1st A.D. 1782.

The State of Connecticut doth owe unto Mr Philip Gregory who hath served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army the Sum of Half Nine Pounds Eight Shillings Ten Pence Half Penny Lawful Money, being for his services aforesaid.

Which sum shall be paid to him or his order, at this Office, on or before the first day of June next, with lawful interest thereof.

Witness my hand,

J. Lawrence, Treasurer

FULL TRANSCRIPTION (REVERSE)

Int paid to June 1783
Sam Lawrence J.C.

Int paid to 1 June 1784
Wm Lawrence J.C.

Settled to June 1785
R Butler Jr J.C.

Int paid to 1 January 1786
Wm Lawrence J.C.

Int paid to 1 February 1787

Int paid to 1 February 1788
R Butler Jr J.C.

[Later settlement notation, likely 1789]

Philip Gregory his mark

BIOGRAPHIESPhilip Gregory – Connecticut Continental Soldier

Philip Gregory is identified in the document as having served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, confirming formal Continental service. Like many enlisted soldiers, he does not prominently appear in surviving indexed records, which is common for rank-and-file veterans.

The notation “his mark” indicates he personally acknowledged payments, likely due to limited literacy, providing a direct human connection to a Revolutionary War soldier navigating postwar compensation.

Jonathan Lawrence – Connecticut State Treasurer

Jonathan Lawrence served as Treasurer of Connecticut during the Revolutionary era. He was responsible for issuing treasury certificates like this one and managing the state’s wartime debt obligations. His signature appears both on the face and in early interest endorsements.

William Lawrence – Treasury Official

William Lawrence appears multiple times on the reverse, including with the designation:

“Wm Lawrence D.C.”

likely indicating Deputy Clerk or Deputy Comptroller. He played an ongoing administrative role in processing interest payments and maintaining treasury records.

(Likely) Richard Butler Jr. – Treasury Official

The repeated endorsements:

“R Butler Jr” (1785 and 1788)

likely refer to Richard Butler Jr., who appears to have served in a treasury or clerical capacity in Connecticut during the post-Revolutionary period. While not a widely documented public figure, his repeated presence indicates an official role in processing or verifying interest payments on state-issued certificates.

His appearances across multiple years strengthen the document’s continuity and confirm its active use as a working financial instrument.

Capt. Samuel Lawrence (1733–1796) – Revolutionary War Officer

Captain Samuel Lawrence was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, in 1733 and served as a Revolutionary War officer during the conflict. He married Rhoda Benedict and was part of the broader Lawrence family network active in both military and civic life during the Revolutionary period. After the war, he resided in South Salem, New York, where he died in 1796.

While not definitively identified as the signer on this document, Samuel Lawrence represents the type of Revolutionary-era Connecticut military leadership associated with the Lawrence name appearing in the endorsements.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Following the Revolution, states like Connecticut lacked sufficient specie to pay soldiers immediately. Instead, they issued interest-bearing treasury certificates such as this one.

These functioned as early American government debt instruments, with holders returning periodically to receive interest payments—each recorded on the reverse.

This example provides a rare, continuous record of:

• Revolutionary War compensation
• Connecticut treasury operations
• multi-year debt servicing
• and the financial realities faced by veterans

WATERMARK

The laid paper bears a visible watermark reading:

“Hartf”

likely referencing Hartford, the center of Connecticut’s treasury system—an appropriate and desirable feature confirming period paper and origin.

CONDITION

Outstanding for an original 1782 Revolutionary War document:

• strong, intact paper
• sharp engraved border
• bold manuscript entries
• clear multi-year endorsement chain
• visible laid lines and watermark
• expected original folds only

This is a high-grade example for the type and, in my opinion, worthy of professional grading and encapsulation.

FINAL NOTES

A rare opportunity to acquire a Revolutionary War treasury certificate with:

• named Continental soldier
• Connecticut Line service
• extended endorsement chain (1783–1788+)
• multiple identifiable treasury officials
• “his mark” veteran interaction
• exceptional preservation

A far more complete and historically rich example than typically encountered.