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ANOTHER PROPERTY
WASHINGTON, George. Engraved document signed ("G:o Washington"), countersigned by Secretary Henry Knox (1750-1806), Mount Vernon, 4 July 1786. 1 page, oblong folio, (14 x 20½ in.), neatly accomplished in manuscript PRINTED ON FINE PARCHMENT. Accomplishment and signatures a bit pale as usual, mounted, small hole in flag in left-hand portion, left hand edge of margin folded back.
Details
WASHINGTON, George. Engraved document signed ("G:o Washington"), countersigned by Secretary Henry Knox (1750-1806), Mount Vernon, 4 July 1786. 1 page, oblong folio, (14 x 20½ in.), neatly accomplished in manuscript PRINTED ON FINE PARCHMENT. Accomplishment and signatures a bit pale as usual, mounted, small hole in flag in left-hand portion, left hand edge of margin folded back.
SIGNED BY WASHINGTON ON INDEPENDENCE DAY, 1786: A SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI CERTIFICATE
The document was engraved by Jean-Jacques Andre Le Veau (1729-1786) after a design of Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754-1825) as drawn by Augustin-Louis La Belle (1757-1841). Complex allegorical vignettes surround the calligraphic text: naval warships under sail, Brittania and a British lion fleeing bolts of lightning from an American eagle, two circular emblems of the Society of the Cincinnati. Washington and his future Secretary of War Knox certify the membership of Brigadier Heman Smith (1733-1814).
The Society of Cincinnati was "...instituted by the Officers of the American Army...to commemorate the great Event which gave independence to North America," and "for...inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace arms assumed for public defence..." The Society, open to officers of the Continental Army, was named after "that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus," who left his farm on two occasions to take up arms in defense of his homeland. Washington agreed to become president of the Society; Alexander Hamilton filled the post after Washington's death.
Swift was active in the Revolution, serving as Colonel of the 7th then the 2nd Connecticut regiments. He wintered at Valley Forge with Washington's army and in some accounts is credited with helping carry the wounded General Lafayette from the field of battle at Brandywine. Swift was promoted Brigadier General by Washington, effective 30 September 1783.
SIGNED BY WASHINGTON ON INDEPENDENCE DAY, 1786: A SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI CERTIFICATE
The document was engraved by Jean-Jacques Andre Le Veau (1729-1786) after a design of Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754-1825) as drawn by Augustin-Louis La Belle (1757-1841). Complex allegorical vignettes surround the calligraphic text: naval warships under sail, Brittania and a British lion fleeing bolts of lightning from an American eagle, two circular emblems of the Society of the Cincinnati. Washington and his future Secretary of War Knox certify the membership of Brigadier Heman Smith (1733-1814).
The Society of Cincinnati was "...instituted by the Officers of the American Army...to commemorate the great Event which gave independence to North America," and "for...inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace arms assumed for public defence..." The Society, open to officers of the Continental Army, was named after "that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus," who left his farm on two occasions to take up arms in defense of his homeland. Washington agreed to become president of the Society; Alexander Hamilton filled the post after Washington's death.
Swift was active in the Revolution, serving as Colonel of the 7th then the 2nd Connecticut regiments. He wintered at Valley Forge with Washington's army and in some accounts is credited with helping carry the wounded General Lafayette from the field of battle at Brandywine. Swift was promoted Brigadier General by Washington, effective 30 September 1783.