1780 Revolutionary War Pay Voucher – Connecticut Pay-Table Committee

1780 Revolutionary War Pay Voucher – Connecticut Pay-Table Committee - Inventory Number: REV 059

Original Revolutionary War–era pay certificate, dated September 4, 1780, issued at Hartford, Connecticut. This financial receipt issued by the Connecticut Pay-Table Committee to Private James Spencer, acknowledging the payment of £55.4.1. The amount represents the balance due to him as of January 1, 1780, for his service in the Continental Army. The Pay-Table Committee was responsible for managing Connecticut's military finances during the Revolutionary War, ensuring that soldiers received compensation for their service.

Such certificates were used to settle wages owed to officers and enlisted men of the Continental Army when hard currency was scarce, promising payment by the Treasurer of the State of Connecticut.

Printed on laid paper with period handwriting filled in, this piece represents the financial struggles of the Revolutionary period and the state’s efforts to honor its obligations to the soldiers of the Revolution.

A tangible connection to the service and sacrifice of America’s first soldiers during the War for Independence.

Transcription:

Hartford, Sept 26th, 1780. RECEIVED, of Pay-Table-Committee, their Order on the Treasurer, of this State, to secure the Payment of Fifty five Pounds four Shillings and one Penny being the Balance due to me, on the first Day of January last, as stated by the Committees of the State and of the Army.

James Spencer

£55.4.1

Right-hand folded note (partial, vertical writing): "Order from the Assembly £50.5.9 Jan'y 22d 1779"

James Spencer (1755–1802) was a Connecticut-born soldier who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Born on March 10, 1755, in New Hartford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, he was the son of Nathaniel Bearding Spencer and Theodosia (Bunce) Spencer.

Spencer enlisted as a Private in Colonel Samuel B. Webb’s 9th Connecticut Regiment, a unit that played a significant role in the war. His service is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) under Ancestor #A134247. After the war, he returned to New Hartford, where he passed away on July 23, 1802.

Pay-Table Committee: This was a committee set up by the State of Connecticut during the Revolutionary War to manage military finances, including issuing payments to soldiers and officers. They acted as intermediaries between the army and the state treasurer.

Comes housed in 8 x 12 riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

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Inventory Number: REV 059