1778 Revolutionary War Salisbury Furnace Payment Order — Signed John Chenward & Fenn Wadsworth
$495.00
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1778 Revolutionary War Salisbury Furnace Payment Order — Signed John Chenward & Fenn Wadsworth
$495.00
Original Connecticut Revolutionary War manuscript payment order dated October 13, 1778, authorizing two hundred pounds lawful money to “Henshaw & Whiting” for the use of Salisbury Furnace.
Addressed to Connecticut Treasurer John Lawrence, the order bears the signatures of John Chenward and Fenn Wadsworth as committee members. Contemporary receipt and accounting notations appear on the reverse, including a receipt dated Hartford, November 24, 1778.
Benjamin Henshaw and William Whiting managed Salisbury Furnace on behalf of Connecticut during the American Revolution. The furnace played an important role in supplying cannon and ammunition for the Patriot war effort. This document records state funding for that essential wartime industrial operation.
The wording expressly identifies “Salisbury Furnace,” giving the manuscript particular interest for collectors of Revolutionary War artillery, early American ironmaking, and Connecticut history.
Condition: Historical folds and extensive creasing, scattered toning and staining, small holes and separations along folds, edge tears, and minor marginal paper losses. The principal payment text and both committee signatures remain legible. One sheet, with manuscript on both sides.
