Description:

Weare Meshech

Single page document, handwritten on both sides by different hands featuring signatures of Chief Justice Meshech Weare (1713-1786) and Deputy Sheriff Simeon Ladd, as well as partial seal located in upper left corner of first page. In good condition with expected wear including minor creases and isolated stains. Most of this letter measuring 7.625" x 6" is inscribed in beautiful, flowing script.

The front of this letter, dated January 18, 1782, instructs Simeon Ladd, the Deputy Sheriff of Rockingham County, NH, to bring the prisoner William Page to the Exeter chambers of Chief Justice Meshech Weare. Below the justice’s signature “M. Weare”, Simeon Ladd diligently notes that he duly delivered the prisoner as instructed on the same day. On the reverse, an anonymous court commentator notes that the prisoner's bail was set by Justice Mathew Thornton, who represented New Hampshire when he signed the Declaration of Independence seven years earlier.

Our letter seems to be in response to a letter now archived in the collection of Keene State College. Dated January 7, 1782 and written from Exeter Gaol, prisoner Page implores Judge Weare to consider releasing him on bail. It is not known why Page was imprisoned or what Chief Justice Weare’s final ruling was.

Meshech Weare, lovingly referred to as the “Father” of New Hampshire, began his political life in local assemblies and militias. He graduated from Harvard College in 1735 and was likely a self-taught lawyer. After several positions held in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Weare represented the colony at the 1754 Albany Congress. Weare was instrumental in crafting New Hampshire’s first constitution in January 1776, and supported the American rebels. From 1776 to 1782 -- as we already know from this letter--Weare served as Chief Justice of the “Superior Court of Judicature” in New Hampshire.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000