1743 WILLIAM SHIRLEY, Signed Justices Appointment

Autographs
1743 Massachusetts Governor William Shirley & Jeremiah Moulton Signed Appointment Document for Three Court Justices
WILLIAM SHIRLEY (1694-1771) was a British colonial administrator and Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He had the distinction of being the longest-serving governor, holding the position from 1741-1749 and then again from 1753-1756. He also served in the French and Indian War, replacing General Braddock upon his death as Commander-in-Chief, North America.

JEREMIAH MOULTON (1688-1765), who was an Indian Captive as a young boy, New England Militia Officer, Judge, Sheriff of York County, and Member of the Massachusetts Council.
April 8, 1743-Dated Colonial Period, Impressive Manuscript Document Signed, "W. Shirley" as Governor, and Jeremiah Moulton as Justice of the Peace, official Appointment per the ACT of 1699, of three Justices, for Berwick measuring 9.75" x 14.75", Choice Very Fine. Gov. Shirley's signature is found on the second page of this four-page Document, with Jeremiah Moulton's below, in fine bold quill pen. Overall, boldly written on clean laid period paper. This large size Document reads, in part:

"... We therefore reposing special Trust & Confidence in your Loyalty, Prudence & Ability, have assigned, constituted & appointed, & do by these Presents assign, constitute & appoint you the said John Hill, Joseph Sawyer & John Storer to be Justices of our Inferior Court of Common Pleas in our County of York within our Province of the Massachusetts Bay..." with further Docket on the final blank page, partially reading: "... April 1743... from Governor Shirley".

Countersigned by two others, with a large Embossed White Paper and Wax with the Seal of the Province at the top left corner of the front page. Appears in Choice Very Fine condition with a well sealed 4.5" split along a fold line of the first/second page, reinforced with archival tape. Also, below Governor Shirley's signature it is boldly registered and Signed, "Jer : Moulton" as Jus(tice) of the Peace. A lovely quality early Colonial document signed by two note figures, William Shirley & Jeremiah Moulton.
JEREMIAH MOULTON (1688-1765). As a boy, during King William's War, Moulton's parents were killed and he was taken captive in the Raid on York (1692). He was eventually released and served in Father Rale's War at Fort Richmond (Maine). Between 1721 and 1724 there were four attempts to capture the missionary Father Sebastian Rale; Captain Jeremiah Moulton played a prominent role in at least two of these, including the last, which succeeded, which is known as Battle of Norridgewock.

After this attack, Captain Moulton continued to take part in scouting expeditions. When the war was over, he remained a militia officer, but resumed his civil career. He became a Judge, Sheriff of York County, member of the Massachusetts Council, and holder of various other offices. He also developed farms and mills, and helped to found the town which later became Sanford, Maine.

During King George's War, Moulton, now a colonel and one of New England's most experienced soldiers, once more saw active service; he commanded one of the three Massachusetts regiments in the Siege of Louisbourg (1745).

In April 1745 he landed with the New England troops at Canso and went from there, leading a detached force of New Hampshire men, to capture and destroy Port-Toulouse in early May. He sat regularly with the council of war at Louisbourg and stayed on after the fall of the town to help with its occupation. He did not return to Maine until December 1745; shortly thereafter he was appointed judge of probate for York County.

He remained an active and respected citizen of York until his death in 1765. He is buried in the Old York Cemetery, York Village, York County, Maine.