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1776 Letter Re: Trouble with Receiving Small Change Bills in Colonial Currency

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 900.00 USD
1776 Letter Re: Trouble with Receiving Small Change Bills in Colonial Currency
American Revolution
A noted Revolutionary War Officer assists a friend having Trouble with Receiving “Small Bills” in Colonial Currency
May 6, 1776-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Autographed Letter Signed, “Lieut. William Allen”, Providence, (RI.), Choice Very Fine.
May 6, 1776-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, “Lieut. William Allen.", 1 page, measuring 6.5” x 7.75”, Providence, Rhode Island, writing to "Mrs. Curtis" about trying to exchange her Thirteen Pounds into smaller bills (of Colonial Currency paper money notes). Boldly written in deep rich brown ink on very clean laid period paper. This Letter reads, in full: “Providence May 6th, 1776. -- Mrs Curtis --- I have at last obtained the exchange of your Thirteen Pounds into small Bills for which we are much obliged to our friend James Hill, I made repeated applications to Col. Tillinghast, he did at length Change One 20 Bill, when I fortunately remembered your say of Mr. Hill ---- be assured the Delay is wholly owning to the great Difficulty in getting Small money -- I hope these will find you & yours happy - my respect to Mr. Curtis - my compliments to Miss Patty, miss Nancy & Sally your daughters & Polly your Niece. -- I am respectfully Madam your Friend & Humble Servt. (Signed) William Allen”.

William Allen, soon after the start of the American Revolution in June 1775, was commissioned an ensign in the 3rd Rhode Island Regiment in the Continental Army. His regiment served in the Siege of Boston and was disbanded on December 31, 1775. In January 1776, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 11th Continental Infantry Regiment and served until the regiment was disbanded at the end of the year. In January 1777 he was promoted to Captain in the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment and he commanded a company of the Rhode Island line of Continental troops at the Battle of Saratoga.
William Allen, soon after the start of the American Revolution in June 1775, was commissioned an ensign in the 3rd Rhode Island Regiment in the Continental Army. His regiment served in the Siege of Boston and was disbanded on December 31, 1775.

In January 1776, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 11th Continental Infantry Regiment and served until the regiment was disbanded at the end of the year. In January 1777 he was promoted to Captain in the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment and he commanded a company of the Rhode Island line of Continental troops at the Battle of Saratoga.

He transferred to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment when the two Rhode Island regiments were consolidated on January 1, 1781.

William Allen was present and actively engaged in many of the battles which were fought during our Revolutionary War. In recognition of his service, he was advanced to the brevet (honorary) rank of major on September 30, 1783. He served until the Continental Army was disbanded on November 3, 1783.