Lot 332

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Description:

Revolutionary War-Dated ADS Re: Confiscating Property of Loyalist "in the Service of the Enemy of the United States"

A 2pp manuscript document signed by Henry Ward (1732-1797), Secretary of the Colony and State of Rhode Island between 1760-1797, as "Witness Henry Ward Secry" at lower right recto. Recorded at the General Assembly during the October Session of 1778. Annotated and docketed verso, showing who received payment for various livestock. Expected folds, wrinkles, and scattered stains and holes consistent with age, but otherwise clear and bright with contrasting ink. 9.25" x 5.875."

The state of Rhode Island issued this edict confiscating the property of George Wightman (1726-1820), "who is in the Service of the Enemy of the United States."

"State of Rhode Island + Providence Plantations

In General Assembly October Session 1778.

It is Voted and Resolved that the Sheriff of the County of Kings County forthwith take into his Possession the real Estate late of George Wightman deceased but now belonging to George Wightman who is in the Service of the Enemy of the United States; and also all other Estate belonging to the said George Wightman: And that he make Report to this Assembly.

A true Copy.

Witness Henry Ward Secy."

George Wightman (1699-1777) had died in December 1777 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, bequeathing the family homestead in Quidnesset to his oldest son George. [Kings County became known as Washington County after 1781; it encompasses the bottom southern third of the state.] The younger George was a French & Indian War veteran and colonial militiaman who had been arrested in 1775 for Loyalist sympathies. Though he successfully petitioned the government and pledged allegiance to the Patriots following his arrest, George officially "crossed over" in 1776. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in a regiment of local Loyalists called the Loyal New Englanders, raised in Newport in 1777. Wightman later fled to London, England by way of Canada at the war's end. The family estate was returned to Wightman's oldest son Holmes in 1797.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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