Colonial Governor Signed Appointment

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2021

WILLIAM SHIRLEY (1694-1771) was a British colonial administrator and Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He had the distinction of being the longest-serving governor, holding the position from 1741-1749 and then again from 1753-1756. He also served in the French and Indian War, replacing General Braddock upon his death as Commander-in-Chief, North America. JEREMIAH MOULTON (1688-1765), who was an Indian Captive as a young boy, New England Militia Officer, Judge, Sheriff of York County, and Member of the Massachusetts Council. Manuscript Document Signed, "W. Shirley" as Governor, and Jeremiah Moulton as Justice of the Peace, official Appointment per the ACT of 1699, of three Justices, for Berwick measuring 9.75" x 14.75", Choice Very Fine. Gov. Shirley's signature is found on the second page of this four-page Document, with Jeremiah Moulton's below, in fine bold quill pen. Overall, boldly written on clean laid period paper. This large size Document reads, in part: "... We therefore reposing special Trust & Confidence in your Loyalty, Prudence & Ability, have assigned, constituted & appointed, & do by these Presents assign, constitute & appoint you the said John Hill, Joseph Sawyer & John Storer to be Justices of our Inferior Court of Common Pleas in our County of York within our Province of the Massachusetts Bay..." with further Docket on the final blank page, partially reading: "... April 1743... from Governor Shirley". Countersigned by two others, with a large Embossed White Paper and Wax with the Seal of the Province at the top left corner of the front page. Appears in Choice Very Fine condition with a well-sealed 4.5" split along a fold line of the first/second page, reinforced with archival tape. Also, below Governor Shirley's signature it is boldly registered and Signed, "Jer : Moulton" as Jus(tice) of the Peace. A lovely quality early Colonial document signed by two note figures, William Shirley & Jeremiah Moulton.

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).