Exceedingly Rare Autographed Colonial Legal Document
New York: 1717.
11.25 x 8.25 inches, City of New York, Commissioner for recording, Office of the Attorney General, February 14, 1717 -- a legal writ whereby Jamison presents charges against a colonist, in part: "David Jamison for our Lord the King George, by the grace of God of Great Britain, Wales and Scotland - and before John Johnston Esq., Mayor of the City of New York, on the 27th of Jan, in the fourth year of his reign...were informed that Jacob Bonnott...having insulted the King, faces damages sought in the amount of 24 shillings." Clearly signed "CJamison" as Recorder. Directly beneath this document, the Mayor of New York, John Johnston (1717 - 1719) pens his verdict in the form of an autographed document signed, February 14, 1717, in part: "CJacob Bonnett, the defendant, in his proper pardon before the above...acknowledged the above action and comforth judgment. I give judgment for the Plaintiff for one pound & four shillings Damages with Costs." A remarkable Colonial document. Slight weaknesses at the folds; very good(-) condition.
Jamison was a Colonial lawyer, Attorney General of New York and New Jersey, staunch defender of religious freedom, and one of the founders of the Trinity Church. He was expelled from England (by the Stuarts) and sold into servitude in America because of his religious beliefs. As an accomplished lawyer, he later represented Reverend Francis Makemie, whereby the latter, a Presbyterian, was charged with "Preaching without a license in a private house." In this landmark case, Jamison argued for toleration in such a colony as New York, pointing out that he himself was (secretly) one of the founders of Trinity Church. To the amazement of many, Makemie was acquitted, and soon after, religious tolerance was enacted into the State Charter (1707). Jamison would eventually receive a Royal Commission as Recorder and Attorney General of New York. The founders of Trinity Church. Jamison was expelled from England (by the Stuarts) and sold into servitude in America because of his religious beliefs.
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $3,000.00
Item #252287