Washington, George, as first President

Document signed ("G:^o Washington"), one page (7 3/4 x 6 3/8 in.; 195 x 160 mm), Philadelphia, 29 January 1793, in response to the 24 January 1793 testimony (on recto) by Col. Stephen Moylan with regard to Benjamin Thompson's service under General Pulaski during the war, additional clerk's docket in red and black ink; one fore-edge browned. Double-glazed and framed.

Document signed ("G:o Washington"), one page (7 3/4 x 6 3/8 in.; 195 x 160 mm), Philadelphia, 29 January 1793, in response to a testimony by Col. Stephen Moylan with regard to Benjamin Thompson's service under General Pulaski during the war; one fore-edge browned. Double-glazed and framed.
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.

Washington reasonably responds to the testimony of Col. Stephen Moylan, who, during the war, served as Washington's secretary in 1776 and later commanded the 4th Continental Light Dragoons ("Moylan's Horse"). The recto of the document contains Moylan's testimony on behalf of a Benjamin Thompson, who apparently was appealing to the President for some sort of soldier's pension. He certifies that Thompson served as Brigadier Major to the Cavalry under General Pulaski (Moylan succeeded Pulaski as commander of the Cavalry in March 1778). Moylan further states that he believes Thompson had "a regular appointment from Count Pulaski for that purpose."

The President doesn't doubt Moylan's word, but "having no documents here to which I can refer ... and not being willing to rely on my memory to state a fact which happened at so distant a period, I cannot venture to say anything respecting it from my own knowledge."  The document is further annotated by a clerk on Moylan's certificate: "Po [posted] to the 15 November 1777 as Adjutant [in red ink] Abstract of the Recd for Oct. Nov. & Dec. 1777 paid to Stanton the paymaster." The whole of the docket is marked with a red summary sign and further annotated "Sheldon's Dragoons" (the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, first mustered in March 1777).