Magnificent manuscript DS, one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.5, February 18, 1784. Official letter directed to Daniel Davis, Nathaniel Freeman, Solomon Freeman, and David Matcher, in full (spelling and grammar retained): "You or any two of you are hereby authorized & impowered to administer the Declaration and Oaths of affirmations prescribed by the Constitution of this Commonwealth agreeable to the forms herewith inclosed to each and every of the Civil Officers in the County of Barnstable who have been or may be appointed and Commissioned by the Governor with the Advice and Consent of the Council of the Commonwealth aforesaid, and also to such persons, as may be appointed to Act as Deputy Sheriffs & Corroners in the said County—. And you are to make return of your doings into the Secretary's Office as soon as may be. In Testimony whereof I have Caused the public Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aforesaid to be hereunto affixed." Signed boldly on the reverse by Hancock as the first governor of Massachusetts, and countersigned by John Avery as secretary. White paper seal remains affixed to upper left corner. In very good to fine condition, with light edge staining, and splits along the somewhat fragile intersecting folds.
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