Revolutionary War

Connecticut African American Revolutionary War Soldier

A promissory note in the amount of £7:0:8 issued to Solomon Soutice, an African American soldier of the Connecticut Line. The partly printed and partly handwritten document, No. 15,597, is dated June 1, 1780 and was signed by Jonathan Lawrence, Connecticut's longtime Treasurer, as "J Lawrence" at lower right. Docketed extensively verso, and also signed (by mark) by Soutice verso. Hole cancelled at lower right. Expected folds, some well-worn, with closed tears. Overall light toning, else very good to near fine. 7.875" x 3.75".

In part:



"The State of Connecticut doth owe unto Solomon Soutice who hath served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, the Sum of Seven pounds & eight pence Being one fourth part of the Balance found due to him, which Sum shall be paid to him or his Order at this Office, in Gold or Silver, or Bills of Credit equivalent thereto in Value..."



Solomon Soutice was from Wilton, Connecticut. Some sources suggest that, in addition to being African American, Soutice was also of Pequot ancestry. Soutice enlisted as a non-commissioned private in the 6th Connecticut Regiment in 1778 and served until 1782. During his four years of military service, Soutice's 6th Regiment was dispatched throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, to Westchester County, New York, coastal Connecticut, and Morristown, New Jersey. Almost nothing is known about Soutice after his discharge.

General George Washington authorized the enlistment of African Americans in the Continental Army after January 1776. Around 5,000 blacks fought for the Patriot cause throughout the 13 colonies, and it is estimated that as many as 400 blacks fought in Connecticut divisions of the Continental Army. In addition to infantry fighting, African Americans also acted as spies, messengers, guides, laborers, and servants. Black Patriots were both enslaved and free; those in bondage enlisted as substitutes for their masters or to ensure their future emancipation.

Connecticut issued promissory notes like this one because it lacked the means to pay its soldiers. Financing the Revolution laid a heavy burden upon each colony, especially those which balked at levying taxes. In order to meet immediate needs such as wages, the colonies relied upon wealthy revolutionaries, foreign loans, and taxes and gifts from abroad. The promissory note was hole cancelled and signed upon its redemption. Judging from these two criteria, Solomon Soutice called in his wage.



Jonathan Lawrence served as Connecticut's treasurer before, during, and after the American Revolution, when Connecticut was first a colony and then a state.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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