John Trumbull Signed Document 1789

AutographsJOHN TRUMBULL, American Lawyer and Poet.
Partly-printed Document Signed, “John Trumbull,” as state’s attorney for the county of Hartford, July 1, 1789, Comptroller’s-Office, Hartford, 3” x 7.5,” Choice Mint. Noting receipt of “Oliver Wolcott, Comptroller of the Public Accounts, Three pounds twelve shillings and nine pence 3/4 Lawful Money, in 1 Certificates; being the balance due on 4 State Notes lodged in the Treasury...” These receipts were given for interest paid on money due soldiers who had served in the Continental Army. Printed on laid, watermarked paper.

Trumbull (1750-1831) is best known for “The Progress of Dullness”, a poem of 1700 lines in octosyllabic couplets, and “M’Fingal,” a work composed of some 3,000 lines and first published in 1782. He passed the bar exam in 1773 and first held public office in 1789, as the state’s attorney for the county of Hartford; he also served in the state legislature in 1792 and 1800. In 1801 he was appointed judge of the superior court of Connecticut and judge of the supreme court of errors in 1808. In 1820 “The Poetical Works of John Trumbull” was issued in two volumes.