Benjamin Stoddert (1751to 1813) Soldier, Secretary of the Navy. Stoddert was severely injured in the Battle of Brandywine. After George Washington was elected President, he asked Stoddert to purchase key parcels of land in the area that would become the nation's capital Stoddert then transferred the parcels to the government. He was also the first United States Secretary of the Navy.9” x 4 ½” autograph document signed, Orphans Court, Washington, October 1, 1783. The document is an order to pay “Augustine Wade, having produced satisfactory Proof, that he was a private soldier in the Maryland Line and that he is disabled by a wound received at the battle of Brandywine on the 11th September 1777. We therefore require and direct you to draw on the Treasurer pension, sufficient for his support.” Some staining and paper-loss in the right margin.