Revolutionary War Pay Order dated 1781-82 Signed by General Jedediah Huntington - Connecticut - Extremely Popular

Jedediah (or Jedidiah) Huntington (August 4, 1743 – September 25, 1818) was a prominent American general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Following the conflict, he held various civilian positions. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, he was the son of Jabez and Elizabeth (Backus) Huntington. Huntington completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard in 1763 and earned a master's degree from Yale University in 1770. He was involved in commercial activities alongside his father, actively participated in the Sons of Liberty, and was a member of the Committee of Correspondence established in Norwich on June 6, 1774.

Described as a man of slight build, it was noted that "his greatness was rather intellectual and moral than physical," as evidenced by a record from August 19, 1788, which documented the weights of several revolutionary officers at West Point: General Washington weighed 209 pounds, General Lincoln 224, General Knox 280, and General Huntington 132. As the Revolutionary War loomed, Huntington took on a significant role within the Norwich militia. He was appointed ensign of the first Norwich militia company in October 1769, advanced to lieutenant in 1771, and became a captain in May 1774. In October 1774, he was promoted to Colonel of the 20th Regiment of Connecticut Militia. When Israel Bissell delivered the Lexington Alarm to Norwich on April 20, 1775, he personally presented it to Colonel Huntington, who promptly mobilized his troops. By April 26, they reached Wrentham, Massachusetts, and shortly thereafter joined the Siege of Boston in Roxbury.