Washington, George, First President

Autograph document signed ("G:^{o Washington late | Comr in Chief Am'n. Army"), one page with integral blank (7 x 6 3/8 in.; 200 x 162 mm, watermarked Star Wheel, cf. Gravell, American 595, mill of Simon Close of Lower Merion township, Pennsylvania, active 1769-1783), [Philadelphia], 8 May 1784, with Washington's wax seal in upper left corner, blank verso docketed "Certificat du general Washington," being the certificate of service for Captain Louis Joseph de Beaulieu; browned, long center fold split, a few early repairs to fold splits, 2 pinholes in upper right corner.}

Robert Cole (embossed facsimile of signature near Washington's seal) — Sotheby's New York, 19 May 1997, lot 323

cf. from the Letter-Book copy, Fitzpatrick 27:399n; Asa Bird Gardiner The Order of the Cincinnatus (1905), p. 180

Autograph document signed ("G:o Washington late | Comr in Chief Am'n. Army"), one page with integral blank (7 x 6 3/8 in.; 200 x 162 mm, watermarked Star Wheel, cf. Gravell, American 595, mill of Simon Close of Lower Merion township, Pennsylvania, active 1769-1783), [Philadelphia], 8 May 1784, with Washington's wax seal in upper left corner, blank verso docketed "Certificat du general Washington," being the certificate of service for Captain Louis Joseph de Beaulieu; browned, long center fold split, a few early repairs to fold splits, 2 pinholes in upper right corner.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An autograph certificate of service issued to Louis-Joseph de Beaulieu, with an unusual signature by Washington, signing as the former Commander-in -Chief of the Continental Army. Beaulieu was appointed a second lieutenant in Pulaski's Continental Partizan Legion 22 April 1778, and promoted to first lieutenant 1 March 1779.

Washington attests that Beaulieu "has been dangerously wounded in several actions, in all of which he has behaved with great zeal and bravery." Beaulieu was severely wounded and left on the field in the unsuccessful siege of Savannah 9 October 1779 which cost the Americans over 1,000 wounded and dead, including Pulaski. Made a prisoner of war, Beaulieu was paroled and permitted by Congress in a resolution dated 5 August 1782 to retire to France once he was exchanged. He was released from parole 11 April 1783 and promoted to captain by brevet 30 September 1783. He was honorably retired 3 November 1783.