While most people refer to Paul Revere and William Hawes when thinking about Express Riders -- messengers on horseback who delivered important intelligence to communities regarding the Revolutionary War -- there were others who a played an important role in the process. JESSE BROWN was one. He was appointed by Gov. Jonathan Trumbull and served as an express rider from Connecticut to Albany, NY; Fort Ticonderoga; the Northern Army; Gen. George Washington’s Camp; and the Continental Congress at Philadelphia.

Offering a 6 ¼ x 7 ½ Hartford, [CT], January 28, 1778, receipt: “Recd Pay Table Committee order on treasury for Two hundred dollars in acct my post riding service of the United States to account with Continental Congress or when they shall appoint & have signed duplicate [receipt] therefrom.

“Jesse Brown”

Verso includes another Jesse Brown signature, dated January 28, 1778.

Brown (1752-1816) was born in Stonington, Connecticut. In December 1790, he established a line of stages from Hartford to Boston by way of Norwich and Providence. He also kept a tavern at Norwich, where President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams were guests on August 1, 1797.

The Pay-Table handled the military finances for the colony of Connecticut during the American Revolution. Also known as the Committee of Four, its members at different times included Oliver Ellsworth, Jedidiah Huntington, William Moseley, Hezekiah Rogers, Jesse Root, Thomas Seymour III, Fenn Wadsworth, Eleazer Wales, Ezekiel Williams, John Chenward, Oliver Wolcott Jr., and Samuel Wyllys.

Light expected toning. Irregular left margin. Generally in excellent condition and a unique example of Express Rider history as Brown was a major Rider during the Revolutionary War.

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