Colonel in the Revolutionary War who commanded the rebel forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill (1726–1795) known for the famous order, ‘Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes.’ Rare partly-printed DS, signed “Wm. Prescott” and “James Prescott,” one page, 8.25 x 13, May 9, 1767. Prescott and his brother James sell the land belonging to their late parents to their younger brother Oliver. In part: “James Prescott of Groton Esqr & William Prescott of the District of Pepperell, Gentlemen, & both of the County of Middlesex & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, In Consideration of Four Hundred Pounds Lawful Money, paid us by Oliver Prescott of Groton aforesd Gentleman. The Receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Oliver Prescott, his Heirs, & Assigns forever…all the Houses Buildings & Land which belonged to our Hon[ore]d-Father Benja. Prescott Esqr late of Groton Decd and were left off to our hon[ore]d mother Mrs. Abigail Prescott.” Signed at the conclusion by both William Prescott and James Prescott and countersigned by Abel Lawrence as a witness. Additionally endorsed in the left margin by Lawrence as justice of the peace and Ebenezer Bridge as registrar of deeds. Professionally silked on the reverse and restored to very good condition, with repaired separations to folds, toning and dampstaining along the bottom (somewhat affecting the signature area), and chipping to edges.
In addition to the sought-after William Prescott, two other signers of this document are notable Massachusetts figures of the Revolution: James Prescott was a colonel who commanded a militia regiment and responded to the Lexington Alarm, and Ebenezer Bridge was a colonel of the 27th Regiment of Minutemen who was wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The recipient of the land in question, Oliver Prescott, was a physician who also served in the Massachusetts militia during the Revolution. Decidedly rare, this is just the third Prescott we have offered in thirty years. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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