2021-05 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2021
War-date American Colonies Document, 2pp. folio, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, January 1780, finding that John Vassel of Boston was found guilty of aiding the enemy and reads in part: "...Comprised to levy War against the government and People of this Provence Colony and State and then and there adhered to the King of Great Britain...and there did give to them aid and comfort ..." Very good condition. John Vassall Jr., entered Harvard College in 1753, came of age in 1759, and built a Georgian-style mansion in 1759. In 1761 he married Elizabeth Oliver, sister of Lt. Governor Thomas Oliver. Thomas Oliver married Vassall's sister, Elizabeth, so they were double brothers-in-law. Following the Powder Alarm of 1774 and the harsh treatment of Lt. Governor Oliver, John Vassall, his wife, 5 sons and 1 daughter feared for their lives and moved into Boston where his youngest son died. When he arrived in Cambridge on July 2, 1775, Washington was initially accommodated in the house of the President of Harvard College. However, he considered the arrangement unsatisfactory. Two days later, John Vassall's estate was, "àordered by Congress for the residence of his excellency General Washington [and], should be immediately put in such a condition as may make it convenient for that purpose." John's mansion served as the home and headquarters of General Washington throughout the Siege of Boston. He left the house on April 4, 1776. He and Thomas Oliver and their families sailed with the British troops who evacuated Boston to London in 1776. He died in Clifton, England on 2 October, 1797.
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).
Click above for larger image.