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1782, Revolutionary War Document, John Hopkins

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American Revolution

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John Hopkins Receives $1,000 In 1780 New Emmission So Called Money

December 5, 1782, Revolutionary War Manuscript Document, Regarding the Exchange for 1780 Issue Paper Money through the Loan Office, Signed "Jno. Hopkins," at Boston, As "Intendant (sic) of Prisoners," Choice Extremely Fine.
This is the original Document Signed by "Jno. Hopkins" at Boston, dated December 5th 1782 and as the acting "Intendant" (Commissary General) of Prisoners in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. John Hopkins writes, in full:
"This certifies all whom it may concern, that I John Hopkins deputy Commissary general of Prisoners in the State of Massachusetts, did on the 14th day of December 1780 receive from Nathaniel Appleton Esq. Commissioner of Loans in said State, One thousand Dollars of the new Emission so called, which money I received for the use of the United States in my department, and was paid unto me by said Appleton upon the recommendation & request of the General Court of this Commonwealth by their committee, and I have carryed (sic) the same to the credit of the United States to whom I am accountable.- John Hopkins, Intendant of Prisoners." Docketed on verso: "John Hopkins Certif. of 1000 New v 15000 Dollars of old Emiss. supply to him at times".
Any Revolutionary War document, regarding the exchange rates for different Issues of Paper Money are very rare, specially with the mention of the exact rate of exchange and the amount involved.

This is a great letter, which is directly related to the exchange of $15,000. of the Old Emission Paper Money, Currency of Massachusetts, for the New Emission of Currency. This shows a depreciation rate of "15 old to 1 new dollar". It is likely in exchange for the new Guaranteed by the United States Issued Currency of May 5, 1780 which was the last regular currency issued and paid 5% Interest through December 31, 1786. That Act called for the exchange of bills, at least at it's beginning in 1780, to be at an exchange rate of $40 Old to $1 New". Inflation must have gotten much worse to have the exchange rate move to $150 Old Bills for $1 of New!

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