Benjamin Franklin Rewards the Service of a Jewish Officer in the Revolutionary War
He had enlisted near the start of the War, 1775, and been fatally wounded in action in September 1777; Franklin here compensates his widow and children
The soldier shows up in a number of publications listing the Jews of the American Revolution and Army hospital returns
Any document from the Revolutionary War relating to Jewish soldiers, particularly those killed or wounded for the cause, must be considered an extraordinary rarity
In June 1775, at the order...
The soldier shows up in a number of publications listing the Jews of the American Revolution and Army hospital returns
Any document from the Revolutionary War relating to Jewish soldiers, particularly those killed or wounded for the cause, must be considered an extraordinary rarity
In June 1775, at the order of the Continental Congress, George Washington assumed command of the fledgling American army which was encircling British forces in Boston. The troops which poured into his camp were initially from New England, but soon their number swelled with men from Virginia, Maryland and other colonies. Although the primary attention of the country was on the front in Boston, neither the Congress nor the individual colonies were under any illusions that the war would be confined to New England, and in the colonies recruiting was undertaken for troops to be used wherever needed. Congress was also active in recruiting, and in November 1775, authorized the formation of battalions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Moses Hammer is listed in several publications of early Jewish settlers in the United States. He is listed as having served in the 1st Pennsylvania regiment, enlisted November 1775, and also the 2nd Regiment. The 2nd Regiment Line served through much of the war and participated in numerous engagements, including the Battles of Long Island, Trenton, and Brandywine. Hammer was wounded at the Battle of Paoli in September 1777, and is listed as in hospital thereafter. Though his unit fought at Germantown, Monmouth, Stony Point, Springfield and Yorktown, likely Hammer was not well enough to participate. By war’s end he had died.
These records of Hammer come from: The Jews of Philadelphia, Their History from the Earliest Settlements to the Present Time; a Record of Events and Institutions, and of Leading Members of the Jewish Community in Every Sphere of Activity (1894); The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen (1895, Simon Wolf); and Continental Hospital Returns, 1777-1780.
Document Signed, December 3, 1785, Philadelphia, countersigned by John Nicholson. It approved of the financial support of the state to “The Widow and Children of Moses Hamer [sic – Hammer] late private of the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line… the sum of Nineteen Shillings and ten pence being one year’s interest on his deprecation certificate…” Affixed to a small board at the corners.
Any document from the Revolutionary War relating to Jewish soldiers, particularly those killed or wounded for the cause, must be considered an extraordinary rarity. This is our first ever. It is also a fine association between Franklin and the Jewish community.
Frame, Display, Preserve
Each frame is custom constructed, using only proper museum archival materials. This includes:The finest frames, tailored to match the document you have chosen. These can period style, antiqued, gilded, wood, etc. Fabric mats, including silk and satin, as well as museum mat board with hand painted bevels. Attachment of the document to the matting to ensure its protection. This "hinging" is done according to archival standards. Protective "glass," or Tru Vue Optium Acrylic glazing, which is shatter resistant, 99% UV protective, and anti-reflective. You benefit from our decades of experience in designing and creating beautiful, compelling, and protective framed historical documents.
Learn more about our Framing Services