This is a Cincinnatus membership document awarded to John H. Wedell, hand signed by Washington (G. Washington) at Mount Vernon on December 7th, 1785. Countersigned by Henry Knox (H. Knox). This is a fabulously historical document printed on velenium (lamb skin) with a period backing.

John H. Wendell was admitted to the New York bar in September 1773. However, a budding legal career was suspended by the outbreak of war. He served in the Albany militia. In 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the first New York Regiment of the Continental Line. As a company commander and adjutant, he participated in the Battle of Monmouth, served at Saratoga, and on the Clinton-Sullivan expedition of 1779. Wendell served until April 1781 when he resigned his commission. Later, he maintained his militia command. He was a prominent participant in public events and later was known as "General!"

The Society of Cincinnati was started by Henry Knox in December 1783. Washington served as its President until his death. The name of the society derives from a Roman General, Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, who, in the 5th century B.C. gave up his generalship after being victorious in battle. Then after being asked to govern Rome, he again served and again gave up his power in a gesture of serving the Republic without the need for ultimate power. This model was followed by Washington.

A similar award was sold by Sotheby's "James Copley Library" 4/10/10:176 for $23,750.