An exceedingly rare artifact has surfaced! This interesting treasure was written and signed more than 300 years ago by John Hathorn (1641–1717), the senior magistrate during the infamous Salem Witch Trials who issued warrants and conducted initial examinations for several “witches.” Dated July 22, 1690, the document serves as an attestation in the case of a deceased shipwright who owned two parcels of land in Salem, from which Hathorn cut timber for more than 40 years. The 7.5 x 9.75 page bears an irregular right edge (small chips and tears), as well as scattered soiling and compacting folds that have resulted in a few partial separations (some of which benefit from marginal tape repair). One must marvel at this unique opportunity, as signed material from Hathorn is quite scarce! In fact, American Book Prices Current documents no examples at auction in the last three decades. Aside from his considerable role in the Salem Witch Trials, Hathorn is also remembered as the great-great grandfather of famed writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, who reportedly changed the spelling of his surname to dissociate himself from his disgraced and unrepentant ancestor. RRAuction COA.
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