January 15, 1776-Dated Connecticut Revolutionary War Period, Crossing of Connecticut Troops at the Stratford Ferry Manuscript Document Signed, “T.(homas) Seymour” and “O.(liver) Ellsworth” (1745-1807) (Member of Congress (1778-1783) 3rd Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court appointed by George Washington and responsible for the term “United States” in the Constitution) as Committee, Framed, Choice Fine.
During the American Revolutionary War, the crossing of Connecticut troops at the Stratford Ferry on January 15, 1776, was a critical logistical milestone in the race to secure and fortify New York City against an anticipated British invasion. The troops marched southwest along the vital coastal transportation artery known as the lower Boston Post Road. The Stratford Ferry crossed the Housatonic River between Milford and Stratford, Connecticut. Winter crossings in January were notoriously treacherous. Ferries often battled floating river ice, occasionally forcing troops to dangerously cross on foot or reroute entirely to find solid passage. Revolutionary War document including Oliver Ellsworth and Thomas Seymour signed and dated January 15, 1776, asking payment to Jeremiah Smith for transporting over Stratford Ferry troops and baggage. Once across the Housatonic River, the forces moved rapidly through Fairfield and Norwalk toward Manhattan. This document is 1 page, measuring about 5” x 8.25” and fully framed to 8.5” x 12” being boldly written in rich brown ink on laid period paper, having rich vivid signatures. It reads, in full:

“Sir - Pay Jeremiah Smith by hand of M. Isaac Peck Sum of Eight Pounds one Shilling & four pence in Bills - for Transporting over Stratford Ferry Troops & Baggage in the Colony’s Service - as per Account & charge the Colony -- January 15th. 1776 -- (Signed) T.(homas) Seymour O.(liver) Ellsworth / Committee -- To: Jno. Lawrence Esqr. Treasurer
In early January 1776, General George Washington ordered Major General Charles Lee to New York. His task was to prevent a British occupation of the strategic port city. General Lee was authorized to raise volunteer regiments throughout Connecticut to support the Continental effort. Prominent regional leaders, including Colonel David Waterbury and Colonel Andrew Ward, quickly mustered hundreds of local minutemen and militia soldiers.

Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull responded by sending roughly additional 1,200 men under Colonels David Waterbury and Andrew Ward for several weeks in February 1776.

This mid-January movement was one of the earliest instances where Connecticut aggressively deployed structured troop units beyond its own colonial borders to defend a neighbor. The successful crossing ensured that General Lee’s forces arrived in New York City by early February, allowing them to begin constructing the defensive fortifications that would later be tested during the Battle of Long Island.