[West Chester, NY] Early Documents Signed By Many Involved In America's Founding

Description: Offering a fine assemblage of 19th century documents and deeds signed by a number of Revolutionary War officers and some who opposed the war. Also included are references to John Jay’s trust. In all, 17 large deeds and five manuscript documents, mostly for land holdings in Westchester County, NY, with a few from Putnam County, involving such notables as Peter Augustus Jay, John Jay, Isaac Brown, Aaron Brown, Lewis Brown, Ezra Baxter, Noah Newman, Lyman Cook, Pierre Van Cortland, Ebenezer Purdy, Joshua Purdy, Jr., Lyman Cook, Ezra Baxter. [Research included] Two documents reference John Jay trustee under the will of WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. Livingstone was Jay’s father-in-law. References are made to PETER AUGUSTUS JAY (1776-1843), who was a successful lawyer, anti-slavery advocate, philanthropist and the first child of John and Sarah Livingston Jay. Peter acted as private secretary to his father in London during the execution of the famous Jay Treaty. JOSHUA PURDY, JR. and ISAAC BROWN both signed documents in this offering. They were, however, loyal to the British Crown. On March 4, 1775, a number of people met at White Plains to elect delegates to represent the colony in the General Congress in Philadelphia. Many people joining that meeting attended to protest the action, “against such illegal and unconstitutional proceedings.” The numbers on each side were divided. Purdy and Brown were among those who opposed electing delegates, referring to the meeting as “disorderly proceedings...[a] detestation of all unlawful committees and congresses; they then declared their determination and resolution to continue steadfast in their allegiance to their gracious and merciful sovereign, King George the Third...and support the only true representatives of the people of this Colony...We met...to declare our honest abhorrence...” The following also signed the documents. AARON BROWN was a lieutenant colonel in Westchester County and was promoted several times. ISAAC BROWN was a captain. LEWIS BROWN was a major. EZRA BAXTER was a lieutenant of light infantry and was later promoted to Captain. NOAH NEWMAN was an ensign. LYMAN COOK was a second major in Lieutenant Colonel Elijah St. John’s regiment. PIERRE VAN CORTLAND JR. was a lieutenant colonel. Most of the grouping is in very good to good condition with expected wear. One of the manuscript indentures has margin damage affecting several words and another has staining. One deed is split and another has some paper loss a fold. A fine grouping of Westchester and Putnam County, NY, representing a number of people who played a critical role in the early formation of America. Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [RW 126]

Price: 495 USD

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-07-27T20:30:35.000Z

Shipping Cost: 20 USD