Seth Kaller, Inc.

William Williams’s signed receipt for £100, paid to him by Connecticut to defray his expenses for attending the Continental Congress.  He served from July 22 to Nov. 21, 1776, and again, starting June 25, 1777.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS. Document Signed. Hartford, Conn., May 28, 1777. 2 pp.

Inventory #21873       SOLD — please inquire about other items

Complete Transcript

                                                            Hartford 28^th – May 1777

Rec^d of Comt^e. of pay Table this order on Treasurer for One hundred pounds Lawful Money toward defraying Expenses to Congress &c to Render Acct. &c

                                                                                    Wm Williams

[docket:] Col^o W^m. Williams / Rec^t. for £100 / to defray Exps to Congress &c / dated 29^th May

William Williams (1731-1811), a Connecticut politician and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, educated at Harvard and studied theology under his father, Reverend Solomon Williams. Williams was part of the influential family who dominated life and letters in the Connecticut Valley in the eighteenth century. He served as a surgeon in the French and Indian War and commenced a career in mercantile affairs and politics, serving as Town Treasurer, Town Selectman, Town Clerk, and Justice of the Peace. He won election to the provincial assembly, and in 1766, became Clerk of the House. Later he was appointed House Speaker. Williams was tied to the Trumbull family, and married Mary, the daughter of Governor Jonathan Trumbull. His career peaked with his service in the Continental Congress – he attended from July 22 to Nov. 21, 1776 (123 days), returning to Congress June 25, 1777.  He remained a respected lawyer and judge until his death in 1811.