EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 1782 CONTINENTAL COMMISSION SIGNED BY THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATION CONGRESS APPOINTING “A LIEUTENANT  IN THE SIXTH REGIMENT IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES”

Revolutionary War-dated partly-printed vellum document signed, one page, 11.75 x 7, May 17, 1782. As president of the Confederation Congress, John Hanson appoints John Miller to be a Lieutenant in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States Distinctly and boldly signes at the conclusion, “John Hanson”; and countersigned by Benjamin Lincoln as the first Secretary of War. The seal to the left side is present and in good condition which is highly unusual. Matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x14. This exceedingly rare document is in very good to fine condition, with only a bit of light scuffing.

John Hanson remains scarce across all signed formats, with this particular Continental commission all the more impressive given that it was signed during his brief tenure as president of the Confederation Congress, a post he held for just one year, from 1781 to 1782; he died the following year in 1783. Because of this short time span, it’s believed that no more than 10 examples have been accounted for.

On November 5, 1781, John Hanson became the first president of the Confederation Congress, the new name of the Continental Congress under the provisions of the Articles of Confederation—and he would go on to become the first congressional president to serve a full one-year term. Hanson did not initially enjoy the largely ceremonial role, which consisted of much correspondence and document signing, and purportedly considered resigning after a single week in office. Out of a sense of duty, Hanson remained as president until November 3, 1782, and proceeded to fill his one-year tenure with a wealth of achievements that would set a precedent for all future incumbents.

Among his accomplishments: ordering all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags; establishing the Great Seal of the United States, the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department; and declaring that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day. Hanson is considered to have been the first true president of the United States. A remarkable document signed by a figure of unique historical importance.

The document appointing Joseph Miller to the rank of Lieutenant in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment reads, in part: “..Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct and Fidelity do by these presents constitute and appoints you to be a Lieutenant …” Signed “John Hanson Presid.” while president of the Confederation Congress. Countersigned by [Major General] Benjamin Lincoln as the first secretary of war.