Amazing George Washington Signature on Revolutionary War Discharge
Terrific signed document, Washington D.C., dated August 4, 1783, discharging John Wright, a Private in the second New York regiment for "having faithfully served the United States Four Years and being inlifted for the war only, is hereby discharged from the American Army." The discharge document is signed by President Washington as "Go: Washington", and countersigned Washington's aide, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. Expected folds, expert repair along folds, toning and foxing which doesn't distract from the boldness of Washington's iconic signature perfectly placed on the right side of the document.
The 2nd New York Regiment, of which Wright served as a Private, was authorized on May 25, 1775, and formed at Albany from June 28 to August 4 for service with the Continental Army under the command of Colonel Goose Van Schaick. The regiment would see action in the Invasion of Canada, Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth, the Sullivan Expedition and the Battle of Yorktown. The regiment would be furloughed, June 2, 1783, at Newburgh, New York and disbanded November 15,1783.
The Battle of Yorktown proved to be the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in the North American region, as the surrender by Cornwallis, and the capture of both him and his army, prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The story is that Washington signed these discharges himself because he wanted each soldier of the Continental Army to know that he was personally grateful for his service. Many of the discharged soldiers carried these precious discharges around with them, and those that reach the market are often in poor condition. Considering that this document was carried by Wright, this example is in fine condition and bears an extremely vibrant example of Washington's signature.
On December 23, 1783, just four months after this document was signed, General Washington himself resigned his commission and left for home. The American Revolution was over with the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull (who also signed this document).
You'll be hard-pressed to find a stronger Washington signed document! Accompanied by full Letters of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA) and historical autograph authority John Reznikoff/University Archives.