Autographs
1744 Connecticut Document Signed By Both JABEZ HUNTINGTON & JAMES WADSWORTH
JABEZ HUNTINGTON (1719-1786) & JAMES WADSWORTH (1730-1816). Leader of the American Revolutionary cause, Commander of the Connecticut militia & Merchant. Wadsworth was a Lawyer, Brigadier General of the Connecticut militia during the Revolutionary War, after the death of David Wooster in 1777 became Major General, the 2nd-highest ranked State militia officer, Delegate to the Continental Congress in 1784.
June 6, 1744-Dated, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “James Wadsworth, Assistant” and endorsed on the blank reverse, "Jabez Huntington Sheriff's Deputy," at Hartford (CT), Very Fine. This is an original 1744 Connecticut document in which the sheriff of the County of Hartford issues a summons because "Jabez Huntington of Norwich in ye county of New London" claims he is owed "4 pounds lawfull money." The accused appears to be Gersham Haill. Jabez Huntington's name appears once on the front and twice on the back, all in script. The matter was apparently settled for 2 pounds, 1 shilling on June 6, 1744, and is Signed by "Jabez Huntington Sheriff's Deputy." It is known that Huntington was a sheriff in Connecticut shortly after this time. He attained wealth and prominence in the West Indies trade, and was appointed a Major General in the American Revolution. The document has a horizontal crease, edge wear, and light toning, but the printing and handwriting are strong with little fading. All original, with no alterations or restorations.
Huntington, Jabez (1719-86) early leader of the Revolutionary cause, born in Norwich, Connecticut. Huntington was commander of the Connecticut militia, and an influential member of that state's Council of Safety, which provided the executive leadership in revolutionary matters. As militia commander, Huntington did not participate in battle but coordinated military plans and political decisions. A prosperous merchant, Huntington also procured provisions for the troops with his own credit, for which he was never repaid. It is generally believed that he sacrificed both his fortune and his health to the cause, retiring due to illness in 1779.

Four of Huntington's sons played significant roles in the Revolution, Jedidiah Huntington being the most prominent. Ebenezer served in the Continental army, and Andrew Huntington financed privateers and ran a commissary for military supplies. Joshua Huntington supervised the construction of the thirty-six-gun frigate, the Confederacy, the largest naval ship commissioned by the Continental Congress.