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Esek Hopkins War-Date Document Signed. Esek Hopkins War-Date Document Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,100.00 USD
Esek Hopkins War-Date Document Signed.  Esek Hopkins War-Date Document Signed
<B> Esek Hopkins War-Date Document Signed </B></I> "<I>Esek Hopkins.</B></I>" One page, 8" x 6.5", Providence, Rhode Island, June, 1781. Esek Hopkins was Commander in Chief of the American fleet throughout the Revolutionary War; he was appointed such by the Continental Congress to protect American commerce. General Washington addressed him as Admiral Hopkins. He was also a founding member of the illustrious Society of Cincinnati, of which Benjamin Franklin was also a member. Hopkins was responsible for the first U.S. fleet operation and amphibious landing, both at the battle of Nassau in the Bahamas, where he and his men attacked a British colony. The fleet set sail for the Bahamas and captured the forts at New Providence with 80 cannons, a large quantity of ordnance stores, and ammunition. On its return, off Block Island, he took the British schooner "<I>Hawke</B></I>" and the Bomb-brig "<I>Bolton</B></I>," and was complimented officially by the President of Congress for these victories. Without men like Hopkins, the war would not have gone in our favor. The document presented here is signed both by Hopkins and Rhode Island statesman William Bradford. Bradford was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was chosen as President of the Senate pro tempore in 1797. Here, Hopkins directs Joseph Clarke, General Treasurer to "<I>…pay William Bradford, or order, 45 pounds, 17 shillings and 5 pence…it being the balance due to him…agreeable to Act of Assembly...</B></I>" The document is signed on the verso by Bradford as having received payment in full. <BR><BR> The document is in very fine condition; usual folds are present; rag paper is strong and clean; document has been tipped down to another sheet. This document comes with a small engraving of Hopkins; perfect for a display piece.