Description:

Early 1678 Letter to Thomas Danforth- Rare Colonial Item

Letter, 1pp, measuring 8.25" x 12.5", Charlestown, MA, ca. April 1678. Letter addressed to Thomas Danforth just months before his appointment as Deputy Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, asking the county court to defer a settlement regarding the estate of Jacob Harrow Sr. of Lancaster. The author of the letter, who holds a connection to the family of the deceased, goes to Danforth on behalf of Harrow's daughter-in-law who feels she is being defrauded by his widow. Uneven, slightly torn edges, with areas of toning and foxing throughout. Spots of water damage can be found on the right side edge. Evidence of prior matting present on verso. Overall, good condition- an early example of Danforth's political influence in the colony.

The letter begins:
"The last county court of Charlestown were pleased upon my request to them to defer the settlement of the estate of Jacob Harrow Sr. of Lancaster deceased until the next county court at Cambridge where laid intend (god willing) to be upon the said court and to acquaint them with what informations I have received relating to the same…"

Thomas Danforth (1623-1699) was a politician, magistrate, and landowner in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1650, he was appointed treasurer of Harvard College, a position he held until becoming the steward in 1669. He had a long career in public service, notably serving as Deputy Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony between 1679 and 1686, and then again between 1689 and 1692. As Deputy Governor, Danforth was the leading figure in the colony at the time of the Salem Witch Trials, taking part in the questioning of the accused witches but did not sit in on court. Within popular culture, he is remembered by Arthur Miller's depiction of his character in The Crucible as a harsh and domineering governor, although there is evidence to suggest Danforth was in fact critical of the trial itself, and played a role in bringing them to an end.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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