Historic George Washington Signed Document Honoring Revolutionary War Hero Sells for $38,781 at Auction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, MA – A rare and historic George Washington signed document honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Revolutionary War officer Captain George Hurlbut, has sold for $38,781, according to Boston-based RR Auction.
The one-page document, dated December 8, 1788, was penned by Washington as part of his effort to secure financial support for Captain Hurlbut’s heirs. The letter recounts the heroism of Captain Hurlbut of the Second Regiment of Light Dragoons, who was grievously wounded in the summer of 1781 at Tarry Town, New York, and succumbed to his injuries nearly two years later, on May 8, 1783.
In the document, Washington certifies:
“Capt’n George Hurlbut of the Second Regiment of Light Dragoons received a wound in the gallant performance of his duty at Tarry Town in the summer of 1781, of which after having languished in the most exquisite pains until 8th of May 1783, he expired. And I do hereby further make known…that the Heir or Heirs of the said Captain George Hurlbut ought, in point of Justice & the reason of the case, to be entitled to the Commutation of his half-pay.”
The document also highlights Captain Hurlbut’s extraordinary courage during a July 1781 British attack on American river sloops transporting critical supplies. Hurlbut led a small contingent of dragoons in a daring defense, swimming through heavy fire to extinguish flames on a burning sloop and ultimately saving vital provisions. During this operation, he was struck by a musket ball, a wound that would lead to his untimely death.
“This extraordinary letter is a testament to George Washington’s enduring commitment to honor the sacrifices of the brave men who fought for American independence. It’s not just a document—it’s a piece of living history,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction.
Other highlights from the auction included:
Daniel Boone signed document with a hand-drawn survey map sold for $27,581.
Benjamin Franklin signed document, paying a Pennsylvania Dragoon for Revolutionary War service sold for $18,975.
Abraham Lincoln signed as President (PSA GEM MT 10), sold for $18,150.
Marilyn Monroe signed photograph taken during a Frank Powolny glamour shoot sold for $18,089.
Charles Darwin signed letter on ‘On the Origin of Species’ and ‘Voyage of the Beagle’ sold for $17,573.
Elon Musk signed SpaceX business card (PSA NM-MT 8) sold for $12,905.
The Encapsulated Auction from RR Auction opened on November 22 and concluded on December 19. For more information about this sale and other historic artifacts, visit www.rrauction.com.
