Lot 7: READ, George (1733-1798), Signer (Delaware) . Autograph document signed ("Geo:Read Speaker") as Speaker of the Delaware Assembly, "In Council, Wednesday," 29 January 1777. 1 full page, folio, small hole at edges affects several letters, folds

READ, George (1733-1798), Signer (Delaware) . Autograph document signed ("Geo:Read Speaker") as Speaker of the Delaware Assembly, "In Council, Wednesday," 29 January 1777. 1 full page, folio, small hole at edges affects several letters, folds neatly strengthened from back. Docketed on verso. DELAWARE RAISES TROOPS. A document written in Read's elegant cursive hand, dated a few weeks after Washington's great surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton, successes that strongly encouraged the states to increase their enrollment of soldiers and officers. Read records legislative resolutions regarding the state's efforts to settle certain questions of rank and commission. In his role as Speaker of the House, Read carefully transcribes several resolutions, one marked "acceded to" two labeled "not acceded to." The approved resolution reads: "That a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major be appointed to the Battalion now raising in this state to serve during the War as the same was not done by the Commissioners," and recommending the commissions be approved "by a joint Ballot of both Houses."