1780 Revolutionary War Pennsylvania Horse Certificate – Bucks County – John Thompson Wagon Master – Continental Army – John Tomlinson

An original Revolutionary War Pennsylvania horse certificate issued on August 12, 1780, documenting the acquisition of a horse for the use of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. This partially printed document certifies that John Tomlinson of Warwick Township, Bucks County, furnished the State of Pennsylvania with one brown mare, fourteen and one-half hands high, three years old, for military service. The horse was officially appraised by two freeholders at Seventy Pounds State Money, creating an interest-bearing obligation of the Commonwealth. Signed by John Thompson, Wagon Master of Bucks County, the certificate bears extensive contemporary endorsements on both sides, including an assignment dated September 1, 1780, and later redemption notations recording payment by Jacob Morgan Jr. Interest calculations remain across the upper margin, providing an exceptional record of the certificate's financial life after issuance. These horse certificates are among the most evocative surviving financial documents of the Revolutionary War, directly illustrating the Continental Army's dependence upon civilian property to sustain military operations. Each certificate records a specific horse supplied for the war effort, making every surviving example unique. Details Original Revolutionary War document Bucks County, Pennsylvania August 12, 1780 Certificate No. 87 Signed by John Thompson, Wagon Master Issued to John Tomlinson Horse described in full Contemporary endorsements on both sides Interest and redemption calculations present Approximately 7¾ × 8 inches Good overall condition with expected folds, edge wear, and light toning consistent with Revolutionary War-era paper. An outstanding museum-quality survivor documenting Pennsylvania's logistical support of George Washington's Continental Army during one of the most critical years of the American Revolution. Date: 12 August 1780 County: Bucks County, Pennsylvania Certificate No.: 87 Issuer: John Thompson, Wagon Master (W.M.), Bucks County The certificate reads in part: "I do hereby certify that John Tomlinson of the Township of Warwicktown has furnished this State, for the Use of the United States, with one brown mare, fourteen and a half hands high, three years old, which has been appraised... at the sum of Seventy Pounds State Money..." Unlike ordinary receipts, these were interest-bearing government obligations issued when Pennsylvania requisitioned horses desperately needed by George Washington's Continental Army during the difficult campaigns of 1780. These certificates could later be redeemed with accumulated interest. The manuscript endorsements show the certificate was: Assigned on 1 September 1780 Later redeemed by Jacob Morgan Jr., who handled payment of many Pennsylvania Revolutionary War certificates. Interest calculations are recorded across the top: Principal £70 Interest £3.6.0 Total £73.6.0 This redemption pattern matches many surviving examples recorded in Pennsylvania financial records. Historical Importance These certificates represent one of the most tangible surviving financial documents from the Revolutionary War. Instead of confiscating horses outright, Pennsylvania issued negotiable certificates that: documented the horse supplied, described the animal, stated its appraised value, accrued interest, could be assigned to another owner, and were later redeemed by the Commonwealth. Each surviving certificate is unique because every horse description differs. Condition Overall: Good survivor Complete with both front and reverse Original manuscript endorsements Expected fold lines Moderate toning Edge losses not affecting text Excellent legibility Attractive decorative printed border