American Revolution
May 6, 1780 Rare Revolutionary War Soldier's Parole Pass by Flag from Elizabeth-Town in New-Jersey to New York
WILLIAM IRVINE (1741-1804). Irish-American physician, military officer, and statesman who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War; When the American Revolutionary War broke out, Irvine joined the Continental Army and was commissioned as a colonel; served with distinction in several campaigns, including the battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine; in 1777, Irvine was appointed the Commander of Fort Pitt; delegate to the PA. State convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1787; represented PA. in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1793 to 1795.
May 6, 1780-Dated (on the reverse) and there Signed, "Wm (William) Irvine" being a Revolutionary War special Partially-Printed Parole PASS, "by Flag to New York," Unacccomplished, to be Issued at Philadelphia, Very Fine. This very rare original 1780 Revolutionary War Parole Pass a Soldier (Signed by William Irvine on verso) Officer by Flag to New York, issued from Philadelphia. Permission to Pass from Elizabeth-town and then by Flag on to New York. It is not completed, yet this printed form is Signed by Revolutionary War officer William Irvine on the blank verso where dated May 6, (1780).
William Irvine (1741"1804) was an Irish-American physician, military officer, and statesman who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States. William Irvine was born in Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1741. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland before immigrating to Pennsylvania in 1763.
When the American Revolutionary War broke out, Irvine joined the Continental Army and was commissioned as a colonel. He served with distinction in several campaigns, including the battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine. Irvine's leadership and bravery earned him the respect of his fellow officers and soldiers.
In 1777, Irvine was appointed the commander of Fort Pitt (present-day Pittsburgh), a crucial military outpost in western Pennsylvania. He played a key role in defending the frontier against Native American attacks and British incursions, as well as in maintaining diplomatic relations with Native American tribes in the region.
After the war, Irvine embarked on a political career. He served as a delegate to the Pennsylvania state convention that ratified the United States Constitution in 1787. He also represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1793 to 1795.
Irvine was involved in land speculation and investment, particularly in western Pennsylvania. He acquired large tracts of land in the region and played a role in its development and settlement.
William Irvine passed away on July 29, 1804, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 63. He left behind a legacy of service to his country and contributions to the development of Pennsylvania and the United States.
Irvine is remembered as a patriot, soldier, and statesman who played a significant role in the early history of the United States. His contributions to the Revolutionary War effort, his leadership at Fort Pitt, and his subsequent political career exemplify his commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy.
William Irvine's life and career serve as a testament to the courage and dedication of those who fought for American independence and worked to build a new nation based on the ideals of liberty and justice.