1776 Hartford Rum Order to Jeremiah Wadsworth Abel King Sherwin Rev War For Sale

Rare original Revolutionary War-era Connecticut manuscript document, dated Hartford, April 3, 1776, concerning the delivery of two hogsheads of rum. The order is written and signed by Abel King and addressed to Capt. Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford, Connecticut. The name “Jeremiah” appears added interlineally above the address line before “Wadsworth,” making the identification especially compelling.

The reverse is signed by Joshua Sherwin, acknowledging receipt of the two hogsheads of rum. The document dates from just three months before the Declaration of Independence and captures the commercial and provisioning world of Revolutionary Connecticut at a critical early moment in the American Revolution.

Just in time for America’s 250th Birthday, this is a wonderful original April 1776 document involving rum, Revolutionary-era commerce, and three men connected to the Patriot world of Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Full April 3, 1776

Capt. ^Jeremiah Wadsworth, Sir,
Please to deliver to
Mr. Sherwin the parcels, the two hogsheads
of Rum which I bought of you the
last time that I was at your house.

1 Hhd gauged — 161
1 Ditto — 143½

From yours,
Abel King

Reverse:

Hartford April 3th, 1776

Rec’d the two hogsheads of the within
order.

Joshua Sherwin

Side Docket:

Abel’s thing order
and
Joshua Sherwin’s Rec’t
for
2 Hhd Rum
April 5th, 1776

Historical Significance:

This document is addressed to Capt. Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743–1804), one of the most important Connecticut figures of the Revolutionary War supply system. Wadsworth was a prominent Hartford merchant, former sea captain, and Patriot supply officer. His background in maritime and West Indies trade made him uniquely valuable to the Revolutionary cause.

By 1775–1776, Wadsworth was already active in the provisioning world that helped sustain Connecticut and Continental forces. In December 1776, he was appointed Commissary of Supplies for the State of Connecticut, responsible for receiving and issuing provisions for Revolutionary troops. He later rose to Deputy Commissary General of Purchases and then Commissary General, helping supply the Continental Army and working within the broader logistical network that supported George Washington’s forces. He also served as commissary to French forces under Rochambeau and later became a delegate to the Confederation Congress and a United States Congressman from Connecticut.

The signer, Abel King, was a Revolutionary War militia officer who served as a Captain in the Massachusetts Militia. He commanded a company in Colonel Sears’s Regiment, with documented service in the later years of the war, including short-term militia service around August–November 1781 connected to Saratoga or northern campaign operations. His signature on this April 3, 1776 Hartford rum order places him in a Revolutionary-era commercial transaction with Capt. Jeremiah Wadsworth and Joshua Sherwin at a critical early moment in the war.

The reverse receipt is signed by Joshua Sherwin (1737–1819), identified as a farmer, deacon, and Revolutionary War veteran connected to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Born in Hebron, Connecticut, Sherwin later settled in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He served in the French and Indian War and later served as a private in the Massachusetts Militia during the American Revolution, including service associated with Fort Ticonderoga in 1776 and later service in Col. Ezra Wood’s Regiment, Capt. John Carpenter’s Company. He is recognized as a DAR Patriot Ancestor.

Rum was a major colonial commodity and an important part of Atlantic trade, New England commerce, tavern culture, and wartime provisioning. The mention of two hogsheads indicates a substantial wholesale quantity rather than a small personal purchase. The gauged figures, 161 and 143½, likely refer to measured gallon contents or cask capacity.

This April 3, 1776 Hartford rum order is especially compelling because it predates the Declaration of Independence and falls at the moment when Wadsworth’s private mercantile trade, sea-captain background, and emerging Revolutionary supply role 18th-century manuscript document on laid paper. Expected age toning, folds, stains, handling wear, edge wear, and small losses/chips. Ink remains strong and readable. Please review all photos carefully for condition.

Why This Piece Stands Out:

• Original April 3, 1776 Hartford, Connecticut document
• Dated three months before the Declaration of Independence
• Addressed to Capt. Jeremiah Wadsworth
• “Jeremiah” added interlineally before Wadsworth
• Signed by Abel King, Revolutionary War militia captain
• Reverse receipt signed by Joshua Sherwin, Revolutionary War veteran
• Concerns two hogsheads of rum
• Strong Revolutionary War, Connecticut, Massachusetts, colonial commerce, and provisioning interest
• Excellent display and research value

A compelling original 1776 Hartford document connecting rum, Revolutionary commerce, and Patriot-era figures at the beginning of America’s fight for independence.