Johnson, Sir William (1715-74) British colonial official who settled in New York's Mohawk Valley and became wealthy from the fur trade land and purchasing land from the Indians; superintendent of Indian affairs; major general in French and Indian War; Loyalist in the American Revolution. Manuscript Document signed by Sir William Johnson and several other officers, two pages, 12¼ x 7½ inches, New York, Dec. 20, 1769. The document relates to a lawsuit between several citizens of New York and a dispute of boundary lines between Albany and Ulster, New York. Some of the parties named who signed on the third page include Thomas Swords, Marten Garretson Van Bergen, Hugh Deniston, Thomas Lynott, William Kane, Robert Henry, Sir William Johnson, and several others.
At the conclusion of the Seven Years War, the British Government did not want to pay to support thousands of soldiers in Ireland, England and America. They encouraged the resignations of their soldiers and, as incentive, promised 2000 acres of wild land in America and half salary to each man who gave his notice. To get around the prohibition on granting more than 2000 acres of land to a single individual, Sir William used a variety of devices, one being to set up a dummy "partnership" of twenty people to purchase 20,000 acres of land from the Indians.
This document reflects an ejectment case. These suits were brought on behalf of a fictitious current tenant, often called "James Jackson," as is the case here. The parties above have bonded famed surveyor and map maker William Cockburn to represent their claims before the Superior Court. Archival linen applied, older repairs, age toned, and signature page is inlaid. Signatures are bold and well struck; in overall very good shape.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000
Colonial and Revolutionary America
