Samuel Huntington Congressional document signed ("Sama. Huntington") as President of the Continental Congress. One printed page, 8.5" x 13", no place, [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]; no date, [circa 1779-1781]. Broadside. [Printed by John Dunlap, 1776.] Revolutionary Broadside, signed by the President of the Continental Congress, with instructions to the Commanders of Private Vessels of War. Congressional document outlining instructions for privateers on maritime engagements during the Revolutionary War. The act was first passed April 3, 1776, after which Dunlap was directed to prepare two similar documents, one being a direct commission and the present lot, a broadside comprising "Instructions to the Commander of Private Ships or Vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal authoring them to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes" followed by eleven detailed articles. With accompanying engraved print of Huntington. Evans notes this document was reprinted and remained in use until 1780, with later editions signed in manuscript by the current President of the Continental Congress, as seen here. Samuel Huntington, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later Governor of Connecticut, was selected as President in September 1779 and served until March 1781, dating this edition of the broadside to that time. Samuel Huntington (1731-1796) was a jurist and a statesman from Connecticut. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress for that state and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Huntington was elected president of the Continental Congress on September 28, 1779 and held that position until March 1, 1781. In 1784, he was appointed chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court and then served as governor of Connecticut in 1786 until his death in 1796. References: Evans 15137, later edition. Condition: Rough edges. A few small abrasions in margins with minor paper loss not affecting text. Single hole-punch, reinforced on the verso, to the top right corner, not affecting text. Lightly toned in bottom margin. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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