Lot 158: THOMSON, CHARLES

THOMSON, CHARLES Autograph document signed ("Cha. Thomson"), 1 page (9 3/4 x 8 in.; 248 x 204 mm), an "extract from the Minutes" of the Continental Congress, [Philadelphia], 8 [December] 1775; formerly folded, fold tears and two small holes mended obscuring the month in the date. Half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped red leather title label on spine.

Journals of the Continental Congress 1774–1789, vol. 3–1775 (1905), p. 416

An interesting resolution of the Continental Congress as it struggled with the organization of the army, trying to reconcile the need for a disciplined and organized structure with its aversion to a standing army. Congress resolves to establish a standing committee for the evaluation of applicants to be officers in the army, in the hand of the secretary Charles Thomson (1729–1824).