2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
WILLIAM DONNISON (1757-1834). Revolutionary War Continental Army Officer, serving at various times as an Aid to Governor Hancock, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts Militia, and a Judge of Common Pleas, he also uncovered a major political scandal during the Federalists and Anti-Federalists debates over the ratification of the United States Constitution. September 18, 1790-Dated Federal Period, Manuscript Letter Signed, “Lieutenant Wm. Donnison,” at Boston (MA.), Fine. This original Letter measures 9” x 7.25”, 1 page, from Lieutenant Wm. Donnison to Major General Goodwin regarding Military Commissions for General Goodwin’s Brigade. General Goodwin was a Major-General of the Militia of Maine (then still part of Massachusetts) from 1783 to 1815. This historic Signed Letter has some outer margin chipping with some loss to the period laid watermarked period paper, slightly affecting the boldly written, clear deep brown ink text as shown. This Letter reads, in full: “Boston Septr. 10, 1790 - General Goodwin -- I must ask your excuse for delaying to answer you until this day - the reason is I could not procure the Commissions for your Brigade until yesterday when General Cobb received them from my office and proposes sending them by Mr. Robins. With regard to Inspection Rolls I will observe - It was not my plan to have any, for the reason I will mention - It will take one half of our Militia Captains half a day to fill up one of them on the field, and when done be very liable to error - I have therefore decided that every Captain bring a Roll of his train band men and deliver it to the Inspector - and have directed the Inspector in the mode of taking the slate of the Arms to himself the adjutant can examine and count the war Rank while the Inspector does the same with the first and the Inspector will put the whole down in a book I have sent for that purpose, properly ruled --- Yr. Hubl. Servant Wm. Donnison” Docket on reverse reads: Genl. Donnison Letter - Sept. 18, 1790 - abt. Commission etc”
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