DS, one page, 23.5 x 17, April 8, 1684. A manuscript deed wherein “John Smedes of the City of New York Glasier [i.e., a maker or seller of windows] sends greeting in our Lord God everlasting whereas the Mayor and Aldermen of the said City of New York … for the consideration therein mentioned and express bargained sell transport and makeover unto the said John Smedes his heirs and assigns forever all hat a certain lot of ground lying and being within this city in the High Streets [present-day Broadway] having to the South the yard belonging to the City Hall formerly called the State House to the last the Hall Lane formerly called State House Lane to the West the gate or passage out of the said yard and to the North the High Streets before mentioned containing in breadth fronting to the said street twenty foot in the rear the like in length on both sides forty foot all wood measure as in and by the said writing or transport may more fully and at large appear now. Know yet that the said John Smedes for and in consideration of the sum of fifty pounds current money to him in hand paid at and before the ensealing and delivery hereof by Geertruta Barents of the said city widow the receipt whereof the said John Smedes both hereby … fully acquit exonerate and discharge … and make owner unto the said Geertruta Barents all that the before recited lot of ground together with all and singular the houses edifices and buildings thereon….” The document bears the “marks” and signatures of Smedes, Barents, and then-alderman Nicholas Bayard, who would serve as mayor during 1685–86. Two wax seals remain intact at lower right. In good condition, with scattered toning, soiling, and staining, tears and chips to edges, and small holes and separations along folds touching a few words of text. New York City documents of this period are quite scarce. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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