April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
March 3, 1745, commission signed "W. Shirley" at bottom right with seal at upper left, appointing Ezra Morse Junr. Gent. "the Captain of the third foot company in Dedham in the First Regiment of Militia in the County of Suffolk whereof Francis Brinley Esq. is Colonel..." William Shirley (1694-1771) served as Governor of Massachusetts Bay from 1741-49 and 1753-56, among other offices. He organized the taking of Louisbourg in 1745, and led campaigns against the French in 1755 and 1756, taking over for a time as commander in chief of North America after Braddock's death in 1755. Political conflicts led to his recall in 1756. Morse, sometimes Ezra Morse III in the records, (12 Dec. 1694 -23 Dec 1789) was born and died in Dedham, Mass. Colonel Framcis Brinley was born in England in 1690, came to Rhode Island about 1710, and settled in Boston about 1719. CONDITION: Excellent. Unframed. Folds and minor foxing and stains. Minor rubs to "Captain," "Company" and "Captain" in the second paragraph and to the "M" of Morse in the first, but clear and legible throughout. The commission comes with a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity.
Item Dimensions: 16 - 1/2" X 14"