English colonist (c. 1639-1718) who was the military leader of the historic predecessor of the United States Army Rangers as captain of America's first Ranger force, which was formed to participate in King Philip's War. Rare manuscript DS, signed “Benj'n Church,” one page, 8.25 x 10, 1708. A complaint by Church against Edward Bridge in a legal matter, in part: "The s'd Edward Bridge being brought before my self…then and there the s'd Edward Bridge did make such a horrable noise…for when I commanded silence and commanded s'd Bridges to be silent that the evidences might be heard and sworn the s'd Bridge laughing and shouting told me I had no evidence to call…I look upon it not only an affront…put upon myself but a very great abuse to her Maj'tys Government." Signed at the conclusion by Church, and also endorsed and signed along the bottom in Church's hand. In very good condition, with singeing and paper loss to the top and bottom edges.
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