From the hand of John Brooks, the man who gave what may be regarded as "the first offensive order" of the American Revolutionary War, comes this signed document appointing Moses Davis to be a Justice of the Peace.
Partly-printed Document Signed, one page, double sided. 10" x 17.25".
February 6, 1818.
As Governor of Massachusetts, Brooks appoints Moses Davis of Edgecomb "to be one of our Justices of the Peace, within and for the County of Lincoln."
Signed in the upper left by Governor John Brooks,, and countersigned at the conclusion by Secretary of the Commonwealth Alden Bradford.
The white paper Massachusetts seal affixed to the upper left corner remains intact.
In Very Good Condition with light toning and scattered small areas of paper loss.
A double-sided document, this piece is ready for your custom framing of choice. Photographed here in a temporary frame that does not convey with the document.
About John Brooks
John Brooks (1752-1825) Doctor, Military Officer, Politician and the 10th Governor of Massachusetts; Participant in the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
On April 19th, 1775, after hearing news of the King’s troops march to Concord and the carnage in Lexington, Reading (Massachusetts) minute man Captain John Brooks raced with his company to Concord Massachusetts where they took a stand at Meriam’s corner., They arrived as the British column was retreating from the North Bridge and heading back to Boston. As the King's troops approached a small bridge over a stream, Brooks gave the order for his Company to "fire!" upon the King's troops. This is regarded by some as the first deliberate offensive action of the American Revolutionary War as the fighting before had been defensive by the Colonists. Brooks' actions at Meriam's corner kicked off the running battle back to Boston.
Throughout the Revolution, John Brooks served in the Continental Army under George Washington and was involved in the New York and New Jersey campaign of 1776.
In 1816, Brooks was elected Massachusetts' 10th Governor. (Technically, he was the 11th Governor, but John Hancock was elected twice in nonconsecutive terms and counted as one person). As Governor, Brooks signed the document shown in this listing. Dated “Sixth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and in the forty-second year of the Independence of the United States”, the document appoints Moses Davis, Esquire, of Edgecomb to be one of the Justices of the Peace within the County of Lincoln.
Brooks served through 1823 when he retired.