47022: Henry Laurens Blank Military Appointment Signed

Henry Laurens Blank Military Appointment Signed "Henry Laurens". One partially printed page, 13.5" x 8", no place; no date [circa 1777 or 1778]. Signed by Laurens as President of the Continental Congress and countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary. Laurens signs his name to a blank military document in anticipation of a military appointment for the Revolutionary War. It reads in part: "In CONGRESS...in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence [sic] of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty..." Laurens (1724-1792) served as president of the Continental Congress for one year, from November 1, 1777 to December 9, 1778, and in the fall of 1779, he was made minister to the Netherlands. After successfully negotiating an American-Dutch treaty, his ship was intercepted on the return to Europe. Laurens was imprisoned in the Tower of London and was released on December 31, 1781, in exchange for Lord Cornwallis. Congress convened in York, Pennsylvania for much of early 1778 as the British were occupying Philadelphia. Condition: Flattened folds and light toning. Minor foxing at the edges. A few small separations and minor chipping at edges. Boldly and clearly signed. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved