RARE Autograph and Book Auction October 17th
Manuscript DS, signed “P. Henry,” one page, 7.25 x 4.5, June 15, 1785. Document reads, in full: “Robert Rankins assignee of Nathan Preston is entitled to the proportion of land allowed a private of the Continental Line for three years service.” Boldly signed by Henry and countersigned by Thomas Meriwether. A couple small repairs to reverse of intersecting folds, a small brush to signature, small chip to left edge, and a uniform shade of toning, otherwise fine condition. The prominent signature is large and bold.
At the time he signed this document, Henry had recently started a fourth term as Virginia’s governor. This item represented part of the paperwork necessary for Virginia veterans of the Revolutionary War who were eligible for parcels of land according to a formula based on rank and time of service. Even though this document represents a reassignment of the parcel from Preston, a veteran, to Ranklns, the first step was still to to secure a proper certificate of service, such as the one offered here, and then to acquire a printed warrant from the land office in Virginia specifying the quantity of land. A fitting example of Colonial recognition for securing America’s independence.
Patrick Henry grants the “proportion of land allowed a private of the Continental Line for three years service”
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