Early Massachusetts
Boston, MA, July 5, 1698
Late 17th C. Bond Between 2 Bostonians Incl. Wealthy Widow, Very Interesting!
MDS

A 1p manuscript document signed by the borrower Nicholas Paige, as "Nicho: Paige" at lower right next to a paper wafer seal. July 5, 1698. [Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay.] On cream laid watermarked bifold paper. Countersigned by two witnesses at lower left. Docketed on the outer leaf. The two inner pages are blank. Expected wear including flattened paper folds, isolated foxing, and slight chipping to the edges. Else near fine and extremely legible for the period. 7.5" x 12." Ex-Collection of Victor Gulotta; ex-Doyle Auctions.

The document outlines the terms of a large loan of ?366:15:0 accepted by borrower Colonel Nicholas Paige (d. 1717) from creditor Elizabeth Shrimpton (d. 1713), the widow of Colonel Samuel Shrimpton (1643-1698). Nicholas Paige or his heirs were bound to pay half the original loan amount, or ?183:7:6, within six months, on or before January 5, 1699.

With original spelling and punctuation. The terms of the agreement state in part:

"Know all men by these presents that I Nicholas Paige of Boston in New England Mercht. doe stand and am firmly bound and obliged unto Elizabeth Shrimpton Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Col. Samuel Shrimpton late of Boston dect. In the full Sume of Three hundred sixty six pounds, fiveteen shillings Currant mony of New England To be paid unto the said Elizabeth Shrimpton her certain attourney, heires, Executors, administrators, or assignes to the true payment whereof I do bind and oblige me my heires, Executors and administrators firmly by these presents. Sealed with my Seale Dated in Boston this fifth day of July In the yeare of Our Lord One thousand Six hundred ninety elight?"

Colonel Nicholas Paige and Colonel Samuel Shrimpton, both merchants, had served as two of three Boston militia commanders during the late 1680s. Colonel Shrimpton in particular was fabulously wealthy, maintaining transatlantic mercantile ties in both London and Boston, investing in shipping, and owning diverse real estate in colonial Boston and the surrounding areas. The Massachusetts Historical Society, custodian of the Shrimpton Family Papers, listed highlights of Colonel Shrimpton's real estate as "the Exchange Tavern in Boston, Beacon Hill land, and farms at Rumney Marsh and Noddle's Island, and ? part of a Merrimac lands syndicate."

Elizabeth Shrimpton inherited half of Noddle's Island, a Boston Harbor island, along with half shares of houses, mills, warehouses, and natural resources there, in accordance with an August 1680 indenture signed by Colonel Shrimpton. Perhaps Elizabeth Shrimpton's bequest from her recently deceased husband enabled her to loan money to Nicholas Paige.

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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7.5" x 12"
Ex-Collection of Victor Gulotta, a Boston-area collector of rare early New England manuscripts. Accompanied by a former auction catalog description from Doyle Auctions.