The Society of the Cincinnati
George Washington, 4 July 1786
WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Document signed ("Go: Washington) as President of the Society of the Cincinnati, Mount Vernon, 4 July 1786.

One page on vellum 335 x 502mm (visible). (Mild cockling, engrossment somewhat faded, small hole at bottom center not affecting text or engraving). Countersigned by Henry KNOX (“H Knox”) as Secretary. (Laid down to a board, scattered foxing, minor loss near bottom center.) Framed with an engraved portrait of Washington.

Washington and his future Secretary of War Knox certify the membership of Major William Munson for his service as “Major in the Army of the United States of America” Heitman notes the service of William Munson from 15 April 1776 when he marched with Elmore's Continental Regiment as a 1st lieutenant; his joining the 2nd Canadian Regiment (Hazen's) on 3 November 1776; and his promotion to captain on 9 January 1778 (and later breveted captain). The Society of the Cincinnati, open to former officers of the Continental Army and its foreign allies, was founded with Washington's approval by Knox, Jedidiah Huntington and Baron von Steuben. The order was named after "that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus," who had left his prosperous farm on two occasions to take up arms in defense of his homeland. Washington agreed to become president of the Society; Alexander Hamilton filled the post after Washington's death. Elaborately engraved by Jean-Jacques Andre Le Veau (1729-1786) after a design of Pierre Charles l'Enfant (1754-1825) as drawn by Augustin-Louis La Belle (1757-1841); with complex allegorical vignettes surrounding the calligraphic text.

Please note that the document has been laid down (mounted).