June 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, June 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/28/2018
George Washington document signed, conferring membership in the exclusive Society of the Cincinnati, available only to Revolutionary War officers and their eldest male heirs, and one of the most coveted documents signed by Washington. Washington here grants membership to his close friend George McCully, Esq., one of the Society's founding members, who served under General Washington during the Revolutionary War and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. After the war he established Ft. Washington (now Cincinnati). Vellum document, dated 31 October 1785 reads in part, ''...to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of lying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defence, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection, and Bonds of perpetual Friendship...'' Signed ''Go: Washington'' as the Society's President, a position he held from 1783 until his death in 1799, at which time Alexander Hamilton assumed the role. Document measures 19.5'' x 13.75'', professionally restored and inlaid to a slightly larger vellum sheet. Uniform toning and foxing, and some surface loss to Washington's signature, though still bold. Overall in good to very good condition. One of the rarest and most desirable type of documents signed by Washington.
George Washington Signed Document Conferring Membership in the Ultra-Elite Society of the Cincinnati -- Available Only to Revolutionary War Officers & Their Heirs
Click above for larger image.