Autographs
1786 Robert Troup Autograph Letter Signed

Officer, Secretary of the Board of War in 1778

and the Board of Treasury from 1779 to 1780
ROBERT TROUP (1756-1832). American Soldier, Lawyer and Jurist; Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army during the American Revolution; Appointed by Congress as Secretary of the Board of War in 1778, and Secretary of the Board of Treasury, from 1779 to 1780.
July 14, 1786-Dated Post Revolutionary War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, “Rob. Troup,” as a lawyer, 1 page, irregular torn edges and measures about 7.75” x 9”, Fine. This Letter addressed to “Aty Van Sahaick Esq - Counsellor at Law”. There is some scattered light tone, most of its original red wax seal is intact and is written in strong brown bearing a bold, vivid 2” long signature. This ALS reads, in full:

“Sir --- Mr. Jarvis informs me that no propositions of your promise are yet made him by Mr. Walton respecting the Citation and has directed me to proceed in the suit without any delay. I shall therefore enter the common rule upon the return of the Citation upon my most timeliness clock at with your consent as attorney for Mr. Walton. -- I am D Sir -- Your humble Sevt -- (Signed) Rob. Troup - 14 July 1786.” Integral Mailing Address Panel reads: “Aty Van Sahaick Esq - Counsellor at Law”
At the start of the American Revolutionary War, he joined the Continental Army, serving from 1776 to 1780 and obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Serving under General Nathaniel Woodhull he was captured by the British near Brooklyn during the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776 and confined to the Jersey Prison Ship. He was later transferred to the Provost prison until he was exchanged in 1777.

He was an Aide to General Horatio Gates, and participated in the Surrender of General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga on October 17, 1777. He is depicted in the historic and famous painting of the “Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga” by artist John Trumbull.

Troup was appointed by Congress as Secretary of the Board of War in 1778, and Secretary of the Board of Treasury, from 1779 to 1780.

Born in Elizabethtown, NJ, Troup attended King's College (now Columbia University), where he was the roommate of Alexander Hamilton and read Law under John Jay. He maintained a private law practice in Albany, New York from 1782 to 1783, and in New York City from 1784 to 1796. He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1786. From 1789 to 1796, he served as Clerk of Court of the District of New York until he was nominated by President George Washington, on December 9, 1796, to fill the judicial seat vacated by John Laurance.

Confirmed by the United States Senate on December 10, 1796, Troup received his commission the same day and served as a Judge in the District of New York until his resignation on April 4, 1798. He then returned to private practice in New York City.