1779 or 1780 dated signed by Oliver Wolcott Jr., John Chenard and Finn Wadsworth - Revolutionary War Pay Order

Oliver Wolcott Jr. (January 11, 1760 – June 1, 1833) was an American politician and judge. He served as the second United States Secretary of the Treasury, a judge on the United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit, and the 24th Governor of Connecticut. Wolcott began his adult life working in Connecticut, later joining the federal government in the Department of Treasury, before returning to Connecticut, where he spent the remainder of his life until his death. Over the course of his political career, Wolcott's views shifted from Federalist to Toleration and ultimately to Jacksonian. He was the son of Oliver Wolcott Sr. and was part of the Griswold-Wolcott family.

Born on January 11, 1760, in Litchfield, Connecticut Colony, British America, Wolcott served in the Continental Army from 1777 to 1779 during the American Revolutionary War. He graduated from Yale University in 1778, where he was a member of the Brothers in Unity society, and studied law in 1781.

Before becoming the second Secretary of Treasury, Wolcott was the first Auditor in the Treasury Department. According to Richard White, his duties as Auditor involved making the initial examination of accounts and determining balances on all claims against the government. Working alongside the first Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, and as a fellow Federalist, Wolcott became a target for criticism from Thomas Jefferson. This was due to the rivalry between Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Democratic-Republicans, who were the two main political factions of the time.

Finn Wadsworth (1750/1751 - 1785), who served as a major under General James Wadsworth from 1776 to 1779. Wadsworth participated in numerous battles; however, due to declining health, he was compelled to withdraw from field service. He continued to contribute to the United States and Connecticut by serving on the Pay-table.

John Chenevard (often spelled Cheneward) (July 29, 1733-April 7, 1805) was a prominent merchant and dedicated patriot from Hartford, Connecticut. He played a crucial role in the logistical success of the American Revolution. As a trusted member of the state’s Committee of Pay and the Committee of Safety, Chenevard was entrusted with the high-stakes task of managing military finances and procuring essential supplies. His expertise in commerce made him an invaluable asset to the Connecticut Council of Safety, where he collaborated closely with Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Their efforts ensured that the Continental Army remained well-fed, clothed, and armed during the most challenging years of the conflict.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Chenevard’s unwavering commitment to the cause was evident in his active participation in local governance and his willingness to risk his own fortune for the fledgling nation. He frequently oversaw the transportation of salt, gunpowder, and flour, often coordinating their movement through the Connecticut River valley to reach General Washington’s troops. By the war’s end, Chenevard had become a pillar of the Hartford community. His legacy endures as that of a diligent civil servant whose behind-the-scenes work laid the material foundation for American independence.

John Lawrence (1719–1802) was a prominent public official in colonial and post-revolutionary Connecticut. He is best known for his long tenure as the Treasurer of the Colony (and later State) of Connecticut. Born in Boston on June 11, 1719, he was the son of Captain John Lawrence and Maryane Lawrence. He eventually settled in Hartford, where he established himself as a respected “Esquire” and dedicated civil servant.

Lawrence’s career spanned several decades of significant political transformation. During the tumultuous years of the American Revolution, he managed the region’s finances. His personal life was centered in Hartford, where he married Margaret Lawrence and raised a large family with at least twelve children. Beyond his official duties as State Treasurer, which he held from 1769 to 1789, he was deeply involved in the civic life of Connecticut’s capital. Lawrence passed away in Hartford on December 25, 1802, at the age of 83, and was interred at the Ancient Burying Ground.