February 13th 2025 Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/13/2025
Partly-printed DS, signed “Oliv. Wolcott Jr,” one page, 6.25 x 5.5, May 20, 1783. Wolcott orders the state of Connecticut to pay Captain Wm Lantham 20 pounds “out of the Tax.” Signed at the conclusion by Wolcott as a member of the pay committee. scattered light toning,fine condition. Signed on back by Captain William Latham
Oliver Wolcott, Jr. (1760-1833), the son of Oliver Wolcott, succeeded Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury in 1795. He resigned in 1800 after he and Hamilton became involved in a political attack against President John Adams. Wolcott was governor of Connecticut from 1817 to 1827. He was born in Litchfield, and was graduated from Yale.
"Captain William Latham, of Groton, was with Washington on Dorchester Heights as a lieutenant of artillery in 1775, and was the captain of artillery commanding Fort Griswold, as Captain Shapley commanded Fort Trumbull, at the time of the battle on Groton Heights. Colonel Ledyard, commanding the military district, did not take special command at Fort Griswold until the morning of the 6th.
source: The Battle of Groton Heights: A Collection of Narratives, Official Reports ...By William Wallace Harris p. 257-8
Much has been written about Captain William Latham. He served with Washington on Dorchester Heights as a Lt. of artillery in 1774. In March 1778 was promoted to Captain in command of Fort Griswold. Col. William Ledyard was the district commander at the time of the assault on Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781. Capt. Latham received a thigh injury and was removed with a number of other members of the garrison as P.O.W.'s to New York
Oliver Wolcott Jr- Capt Wm. Latham...captain of artillery commanding Fort Griswold, at the time of the battle on Groton Heights.
Click above for larger image.