Description:

Elisha Cooke Jr.
Boston, MA, May 3, 1721
Elisha Cooke Jr. ADS Regarding Discounting Land 1721
ADS

Elisha Cooke Jr. (1678-1737). Autograph document signed "Elisha Cooke" instructing a Col. Hutchinson to discount a Mr. John Waldo's land. 1p, 6" x 3.25", Boston, MA, May 3, 1721. Paper shows uneven edges, mild toning and a few sparse spots of discoloration as well as pencil notations on verso and remnants of pencil notation in upper left corner of recto, but remains in fine condition considering its great age and the signature remains bold.

Elisha Cooke Jr. was an early Massachusetts colonial politician who graduated from Harvard in 1697, established the Boston Caucus around 1719 and was Speaker of the House in Massachusetts in 1720. He was known politically for being an early proponent of colonial rights who resisted encroachment by crown officials. One of the wealthiest men in the province, Cooke bought up large tracts of timberland in Maine (then part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) and challenged the Crown's rights to these forests. It is perhaps in reference to one of these tracts of lands to which Cooke is referring in this document.

Transcription:

"Boston May 3d, 1721.
Coll. Hutchinson,
Please to discount Thirty Two pounds off the land of Mr. John Waldo's due to your self & the other owners of the Mills the sum of Thirty five pounds which he hath payd Me on Account of three Eighths of Gouverneur ? ?.
Your humble Servant
Elisha Cooke."

This item comes with a Certificate by 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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  • Dimensions: 6" x 3.25"
  • Medium: ADS

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