George Washington Signed Revolutionary War Discharge Certificate.

WASHINGTON, George.

Item Number: 132115

Rare partially printed Revolutionary War Discharge Certificate boldly signed by George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. One page, folio, partially printed on both the recto and verso. The certificate discharges Evert Slauter, Private of Second New York Regiment, and awards him the Badge of Merit for six years of service in the Continental Army. Dated June 8, 1783, the certificate reads in full: By His Excellency George Washington, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. These are to Certify that “Evert Slauter, Private” in the “Second N. York” Regiment, having faithfully served the Unites States “Six years and Six Months” and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army, Given at Head-Quarters the “G. Washington” By His Excellency’s Command, “J. Trumbull Registered in the Books of the Regiment, “Christ Smith” Adjutant, The above “Evert Slauter Private” has been honored with the Badge of Merit for “Six” Years faithful Service. “P. Van Cortlandt.” Matted and framed with a glass panel on the verso which reveals the opening statement of the certificate: Head-Quarters, June 8th 1783. The within Certificate shall not avail the Bearer a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered on Furlough. George Washington. The entire piece measures 21 inches by 16 inches.

When peace negotiations between Great Britain and the Continental Congress, the American treasury was empty, unpaid, and mutinous soldiers forced the adjournment of Congress, and Washington dispelled unrest by suppressing the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783; Congress promised officers a five-year bonus. Washington submitted an account of $450,000 in expenses which he had advanced to the army. The account was settled, though it was allegedly vague about large sums and included expenses his wife had incurred through visits to his headquarters. The following month, a Congressional committee led by Alexander Hamilton began adapting the army for peacetime. In August 1783, Washington gave the Army's perspective to the committee in his Sentiments on a Peace Establishment. He advised Congress to keep a standing army, create a "national militia" of separate state units, and establish a navy and a national military academy. The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, and Great Britain officially recognized the independence of the United States. Washington then disbanded his army, giving a farewell address to his soldiers on November 2. During this time, Washington oversaw the evacuation of British forces in New York and was greeted by parades and celebrations.