Archives International Auctions Auction 87 September 12, 2023

Archives International Auctions - Sale 87 78 September 12, 2023 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com U.S. COLONIAL FISCAL & LEGAL DOCUMENTS Massachusetts 407 407 Province of the Massachusetts Bay, 1757, Harrison GrayTreasurer Tax Warrant Province of the Massachusetts Bay, 2nd November, 1757. Issued Tax Warrant Issued and Signed by Harrison Gray, the Treasurer & Receiver General for “His Majesty’s Said Province,” of the Massachusetts Bay. The sum of money to be received was 150 Pounds, 13 Shillings, and 11 Pence, collected by Gray on behalf of King George II of Great Britain. Black text with seal at top left corner, Large black imperial seal at top center, Signed by Harrison Gray at bottom right corner. Water staining, toning, and damage in 4 small areas and at the vertical fold, with archival repairs and reinforcement of folds. Fragile condition. Harrison Gray (1711-1794) was a wealthy merchant, as well as Treasurer and Receiver-General for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a position that he held from 1753 until the beginning of the Revolution. Although more of a political moderate, in 1774, Gray was forced to choose between patriotism and loyalism over the Massachusetts Government Act (which suspended the Provincial Charter). Gray chose to recognize the right of the King and Parliament to suspend, at will, the rights and liberties of Massachusetts Bay. In 1775, Gray published his loyalist views in a pamphlet titled The Two Congresses Cut Up. Ultimately, Gray’s property was confiscated and he was forced to flee Boston in 1776 where he spent the rest of his life in London, England. He was named in the Massachusetts Banishment Act of 1778. The document is also signed by Benjamin Washburn, who was a housewright in Bridgewater, and was apparently called Benjamin Washburn “2d” after his cousin died in 1740. Benjamin Washburn was probably dead by 1760. No deed, death or probate records were found for him in Plymouth County. Interesting piece of colonial American history. ��Est. $1000-2000 Pennsylvania 408 408 Apprenticeship Indenture Document, 1789 Signed by Justice Isaac Howell Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1789. Issued Indenture certifying that Ann M. Wohler “voluntarily, and of her own free Will and Accord, put herself Apprentice to Hannah Burgess,” for a term of three years. The document then describes and outlines the relationship between Apprentice and Mistress, asserting that the Apprentice “faithfully shall serve” her Mistress, “her Secrets keep, her lawful Commands every where readily obey.” The Apprentice will “not commit Fornication, nor contract Matrimony within the said Term. She shall not play at Cards, Dice, or any other unlawful Game,” among other stipulations. In turn, the Mistress “shall use the utmost of her Endeavour to teach” the Apprentice in the trade of “House Work.” Black text, names of Apprentice and Mistress may differ slightly due to handwriting legibility, also in black. Signed by the Mistress, Hannah Burgess at bottom right near seal, Signed by Isaac Howell as “one of the Justices for the County” at bottom left. Isaac Howell (1722- 1797) was a member of the Committee of Correspondence, and on July 15th, 1774 was a Deputy for the City and County of Philadelphia at the Provincial Meeting of Deputies. He was also authorized by the Continental Congress to sign and number bills of credit to the amount of $4 million. He served the public of Philadelphia as Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions, and the Orphan’s Court, and also served as Street Commissioner. Fine-VF condition with toning and archival repairs on back at center. Printed by Zachariah Paulson. Rare and unique piece of early American history. Est. $450-750