Description:

Edward Rawson 2 Autograph Signed Documents, on Religion & Court Affairs

Two Autograph Documents Signed by Edward Rawson, first Secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The first, 1p, measuring 7.5" x 2.5", Boston, dated October 19, 1652, is an answer to a petition made by Mary Wooddey regarding her late husband's estate. Signed "Edward Rawson". It is declared that the petition is to be sent to the next Quarter Court at Boston so that the case may be examined by that court. The second, 1p of a bifolium, measuring 6" x 7.875", Boston, dated May 28, 1679, is an official notification to the South Church and Elders, addressed to Reverend Samuel Willard. Signed "Edwd Rawson". The document poses two questions: "1…what are the evils that have provoked the Lord to bring his Judgement on New England" and "2…what is to be done that so those evils may be reformed…" Both documents have flattened folds, with edge chipping and bumping. Uneven toning and foxing throughout. Wax remnants to one. Both are boldly signed.

Edward Rawson (1615-1693) was born in England but left England to settle in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637. He graduated from Harvard College in 1653 and went on to serve as Public Notary and Register for Newbury from 1638 to 1647. He then went on to serve as the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1650 to 1686.

The second document references the 1679 "Reforming Synod" which was held in reaction to the perceived mingling of politics and religion, the relaxing of divine institutions, and "prostituting of the mysteries of our holy religion to mere secular views…" Numerous disasters at the time also causes alarm among the community, thought to be caused by God's displeasure. There had been unusually high losses at sea, several desolating fires in trade cities, and a widespread disease spread throughout the colony. The meeting was held in September, and by October an act was passed with recommendations to every church in the colony.

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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