Lot 145
Collection of New England Border Wars Documents. A collection of more than seventy (70) documents pertaining to King William's War (1689-1697) and Queen Anne's War (1703-1713). These documents relate specifically to the town of Taunton, Massachusetts and its participation in these bloody, colonial wars. The documents are of varying sizes and conditions, but most are very good to fine. They are housed in a loose-leaf notebook. Approximately 50 documents relate to King William's War and the remainder to Queen Anne's War. They include marching orders; numerous orders to impress soldiers, by command of Major Benjamin Church; a ten-page document recording meetings between 1694 and '97 by Major Church and "Captains and Chief officers of the severall Millitary companies of Bristoll Regiment" to better order military affairs; accounts of men's names and amounts of money they are giving "toward promoting the present war with the Indians"; accounts of costs to arm the soldiers from Taunton, who are named; a 1690 account of money paid to Joseph Hall "for making of Clothing and knapsacks, for ye souldary upon ye Canada expedition"; a 1691 list of officers chosen for the town's military company; numerous documents signed by Thomas Leonard, captain of the foot company of militia in Taunton; and much more. There is also an order signed by William Stoughton ("Wm Stoughton"), Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, as acting governor, to Capt. Thomas Leonard, directing that "ten able and sufficient souldiers" be sent to "John Walley Esqr. Commissioner of War, by him to be sent unto…Castle Island near Boston, for the further strengthening & enforcing thereof…." (old tape remnants on folds not affecting signature). In 1692, Stoughton had presided over the Salem witchcraft trials. This is a treasure trove that should be examined personally.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000.
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| Realized $18,975 |
