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Lot #59
Massachusetts: John Hancock

A plea by the boat owners of Martha’s Vineyard

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

A plea by the boat owners of Martha’s Vineyard

Manuscript document submitted to Governor Hancock, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.75, December 20, 1783. A petition to Hancock regarding fees and expenses related to boat warrants. In part: "By a Law of this Commonwealth for establishing a well Regulated Pilotage Your Excellency and Honours were authorized to appoint Suitable persons as pilots for the Coast of Marthas Vineyard & Nantucket Shoals & furnish them with warrents and also to establish the Regular fees for such Pilotage…But within a few Days we have received orders from the Secretary of the Commonwealth for the Return of all such warrents Signifying that ye General Court at their last Session had Directed an alteration in their fees which alteration if Lesser will Greatly Injure your Petitioners as ye present fees will but just aford them a living & we Humbly Conceive when we make your Excellency & Honours Thoroughly Sensible of the equity of the former fees we trust your Excellency & Honours will be fully satisfy'd that they were not over Rated Before." Signed at the conclusion, "Isaac Daggett," "Saml Daggett," "John Holmes," "Francis Norton," "Abisha Pease," and "Abner Norton." In fine condition, with some chipping to edges.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #504 - Ended July 12, 2017