DEBENTURE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT THEIR SESSIONS IN HARTFORD THE SECOND THURSDAY OF MAY 1770 [caption title followed by a list of the members, giving remuneration, including travel expenses for each]
Folio. (8) pages, the first seven with the list of members, the eighth with a docket, “In the Lower House the within Debenture was read and approved, & the Treasr of this Colony is ordered to pay the sevl gent. the sum to Each Name &c. affixed” and signed by William Williams; the manuscript is accompanied by original wrapping sheet, docketed on the outside “The Debenture of the House of Representatives May 1770” / [in another hand] “Charged 20 June 1770 / L 814.5.0” / “Audited May 1771” and signed by William Hillhouse. For each of the 137 members, starting with “Col. John Pitkin,” is recorded the number of days served, most 30 days, the number of miles traveled, if appropriate, monetary amounts for each, and the note “Paid as by Rect.” Old folds, stitched (loose), accompanied by a docketed storage wrapper (very worn). Item #67947
Maj. William Williams (1731-1811; veteran of the French and Indian War, signer of the Declaration of Independence), noted on the list as “clerk,” received the highest payment for service, as well as reimbursement for 30 miles traveled; Mr. William Hillhouse (1728-1816; cavalry major during the Revolution, member of Connecticut’s Lower House, 1755-1785, member of the Continental Congress, 1783-1786) served the full 30 days and received reimbursement for 50 miles traveled.
Price: $1,250.00