Autograph of Thomas Cushing, Member of Continental Congress, American Revolution

Autograph of Thomas Cushing

Clipped signature of Thomas Cushing (March 24, 1725 - February 28, 1788), Massachusetts native and reluctant American patriot. He became a lawyer and served in Massachusetts state offices before his election to the First Continental Congress in 1774, despite his opposition to America's bid for independence. Even though he was against the revolution, Cushing was ordered arrested for high treason but was never captured. His lack of enthusiasm for the war continued through 1775, but he was elected to the Continental Congress again and also to the Massachusetts Bay revolutionary government council. When at last Cushing came around to support the Revolution, he served as commissary general for Massachusetts in the Continental Army. He became the first Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1780 until his death in 1788, acting as Governor in 1785. 

Clipped signature "T Cushing" on a slip of paper measuring 2 3/4 by 3/4 inches, along with that of John Whetcomb. Whetcomb and Cushing were on the Council of the Massachusetts Bay Colony together and this slip is probably clipped from a document signed during the Revolution when he served on the Council. Some tanning and a little creasing, some discoloration on the back, probably from an album mount. This is an interesting and uncommon piece of Revolutionary War history.