The scrip issued by Congress during the revolutionary war. It became a proverb of worthlessness. Hence NOT TO CARE (or GIVE) A CONTINENTAL.
1825. “I outs with a handfull o’ the right stuff; old continental”—paper money issued by the colonies;—“and up I jams it; right up, into his face.”—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ i. 159.
1837. The Congress of the U.S. caused to be emitted that paper, always since known by the name of “continental money,” and which no man living, if he has any recollection of it, desires ever to see restored.—Mr. Sergeant of Pa., in the House of Representatives, Sept. 29: Cong. Globe, p. 198, App.
1838. The framers of the Constitution had the ghosts of the colony, proclamation, State, and continental money, before them.—Mr. Wall of N.J. in the U.S. Senate, March 23: id., p. 230, Appendix.
1841. Mr. Gordon of New York said the old soldiers had fought gallantly, and they were paid off in continental rags.—House of Representatives, June 18: id., p. 75.
1841. I wouldn’t give a continental copper for the safety of your skin.—W. G. Simms, ‘The Kinsmen,’ i. 98 (Phila.).
1874. I tole him as how I didn’t keer three continental derns fer his whole band weth Micajah Harp throw’d onto the top.—E. Eggleston, ‘The Circuit Rider,’ p. 148.
1888. I am not worrying about the nomination. I don’t care a continental if I don’t receive it.—Missouri Republican, Feb. 16 (Farmer).
