Van Dam, Rip (c. 1660-1749) New York merchant and politician. He was elected to the provincial Assembly in 1699, appointed to the governor's Council of advisors in 1702, and served on the Council for more than 30 years, often representing the governor by making an annual trip to Albany to renew the alliance with the Iroquois. He was acting governor of the province until the arrival of governor William Cosby in 1731 and presided over the Zenger trial in 1735. Autograph Document Signed, 3 x 7¾ in., n.p., n.d. To Mr. Mayer Hanson, in part: "This is the opinion of my Layer. To send this to Capt Holl.d of Albany to procure me this. Two powers of attorney being of the same Tennor but this is To be Sent To Eng.d by 2 vessels. I doubt not of Clapt. Holl.d signing the same and that it may be done forthwith with privacy in case it should be neglected in England by the Govern. agent…This power may be of servis To me To Sue the first agent Dromand in England…." Toned and some repairs to verso. Boldly penned and signed.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
Ex Superior Galleries, 1996.
Colonial Americana
