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Autographs/R: Extremely Rare "J: Rutledge" Signed Revolutionary War Document

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Autographs/R: Extremely Rare  J: Rutledge  Signed Revolutionary War Document
JOHN RUTLEDGE, Revolutionary War Governor of South Carolina; Signer of the Federal Constitution; 2nd Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Autograph Document Signed "J: Rutleldge" as Goveror of South Carolina, August 25, 1779, no place, 2.5" x 9", Fine. In full: "The Treasr. to pay to the Pay Master Genl. of the Militia one Hundred Thousand Dollars on acct. J: Rutledge Aug. 25 1779." Below Rutledge's order is an acknowledgment of receipt, "Recd. 25th August 1779 payment for this order D: DeSaussure." The docket on the verso converts the dollars into pounds: "25th Aug. £162.500 in 100.000 Dolars. Govr. ordr. pd D: DeSaussure." Toned and soiled, but boldly penned and signed. After taking over major parts of Georgia and Virginia, British troops were pointing toward the capture of South Carolina. An invasion was imminent and the military situation was becoming desperate. Understanding that he was in a dire situation, Rutledge gave this order in an attempt to shore up the state militia. A historic document, showing the tremendous effort made by Rutledge, as Governor of South Carolina, to fund and maintain a strong military presence in the face of a strong British force quickly approaching the state. All efforts were futile: Charleston fell to British troops under General Sir Henry Clinton on May 12, 1780.