1816 US Connecticut Militia Commission w/Seal . BOOK250

A United States Connecticut Militia Commission dated May 9, 1816 signed by Governor John Cotton Smith appointing Hozekiah Hammond as Ensign of the Grenadier Company of the Fifth Regiment of the Connecticut Militia. The Governor’s signature was attested to by Thomas Lay. The certificate measures about 8 inches x 12 3/4 inches. Affixed to the left side of the certificate is a large seal measuring about 3 3/8 inches x 2 7/8 inches.

John Cotton Smith (1765 – 1845) was an American lawyer, judge and politician from Connecticut. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, and as the 23rd Governor of Connecticut. Smith signed this certificate in his official capacity as Governor of Connecticut, a position that he held from 1812 to 1817. Also included is the original filing wrapper with “H. Hammond Commission” written on it. The filing wrapper has separated into three pieces. The commission has three vertical fold marks which are separating. Two of the folds have been repaired or reinforced from the back with clear tape. There is foxing/staining. The seal has faded.

Additional Notes: Hozekiah Hammond served as an Ensign in the Grenadier Company of the Fifth Regiment of the Connecticut Militia during the American Revolutionary War. The Connecticut Militia was a crucial part of the colonial defense system, with each town contributing men to form local companies, often referred to as trainband. The Fifth Regiment, like other regiments, was organized based on the population and geographic divisions of the time. An ensign was typically responsible for carrying the regiment’s colors and assisting in the command of the company.

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