1778 Revolutionary War Navy Receipt Nicolas Baudin John Langdon Duc de Choiseul
$ 554.4
Description
1778 Revolutionary War Navy Receipt Nicolas Baudin John Langdon Duc de Choiseul. The primary signature is that of Nicolas Baudin (1754–1803). These officers were part of the senior crew on the French frigate Duc de Choiseul, which was conveying arms and ammunition to the Continental Congress. A Museum-Grade Primary Source Documenting the French-American Alliance. Offered is a rare, 100% guaranteed authentic Revolutionary War manuscript receipt dated June 1, 1778. This document records a payment of £15. 6s. made by John Langdon, the Continental Agent at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to two French officers "for our Expences being in the Service of the United States". The Signatories: A Connection to World Exploration The primary signature is that of Nicolas Baudin (1754–1803). While serving the American cause in 1778, Baudin would later achieve international fame as a celebrated explorer and cartographer who led the historic French voyage of discovery to Australia (1801–1803). The second signature is Antonin Dubouchet, a 19-year-old "drill ensign" from a prominent French arms-manufacturing family. Historical Context: The Escape from Liverpool, Nova Scotia These officers were part of the senior crew on the French frigate Duc de Choiseul, which was conveying arms and ammunition to the Continental Congress. On April 24, 1778, the ship was run aground and captured by the HMS Blonde. Baudin and Dubouchet famously refused to remain prisoners; they "absented themselves" from British confinement in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, reclaimed their belongings at the risk of their lives, and escaped into the wilderness. This receipt, dated just weeks later in Portsmouth, marks their successful return to American service. Key Features: • John Langdon Connection: The payment was issued by Langdon, a future signer of the U.S. Constitution and a pivotal figure in the Revolutionary Navy. • The Ship: Explicitly linked to the ill-fated Duc de Choiseul mission. • Provenance: This is a rare survivor of Continental Navy personnel records, which seldom appear on the private market.
