Express Rider Trip Ordered By Gen. Silliman, Who Had Been Captured By British

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JONATHAN TRUMBULL was the Governor of Connecticut on May 3rd, 1779 and was the only colonial governor to remain in office throughout the Revolutionary War. He actively supported the Patriot cause. Connecticut played a vital role in providing troops for the Continental Army throughout the war. While Connecticut was not the site of major battles, it experienced British raids and town burnings, particularly along the coast. 

The Express Rider named in the following document was likely passing along intelligence to Gov. Trumbull. Most fascinating but unexplained is the fact that Gen. Silliman, who ordered the Express Ride, was being held hostage by the British when this document was executed, which could simply mean that he ordered the ride days before his capture.  

One page, 5 7/8 x 7 ½, Express Rider Amos Hubbell rides on horseback by order of General Silliman “to his Excellency, the governor...five days...horse hire 90 miles...my expenses to and from Lebanon...horse hire for returning from Fairfield...Stratford to Col. Whiting with the expenses...$32:14...Stratford May 3d, 1779...

“I have certified that the above service was performed by Amos Hubbell and the orders from his express & delivered to me of Gen’l Silliman...Sam’l Whiting, Col Command...”

Verso: “Fairfield May 6th, 1779. These are to certify that we the Subscribers have examined the written account and find it justly charged. Please to pay Amos Hubbell the within sum of thirty-two pounds, fourteen shillings and charge the state per order of John Lawrence.” Cross signed by Samuel Wyllys. Verified by Samuel Squire and Andrew Rowland as justices of the peace. Also signed by Amos Hubbell.

During the Revolutionary War, Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman, a Brigadier General in the Connecticut militia, and his son, Billy, were captured on May 1, 1779, from the general’s home by Loyalists in 1779. It is unclear why there would have been a difference of two days between the date of this pay order and Silliman’s kidnapping. Likely Silliman ordered the ride days before it actually occurred. The Loyalists sought to use Silliman as a hostage to secure the release of a captured Loyalist officer. Silliman’s wife played a significant role in his release, which occurred nearly a year later. 

Toning. Folds.

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