Autographs
1721 Proclamation Adjourning the General Assembly of New York by Governor William Burnet
WILLIAM BURNET.
November 30, 1721, "A Proclamation," Document whereby early Colonial Governor Burnet adjourns the Colonial New York Assembly, Very Fine. This is an exceedingly rare, original Manuscript Document, Signed and Inscribed, "W Burnet - God Save the King", in crisp brown ink, as Governor of New York and New Jersey, written upon fine quality laid watermarked paper, dated November 30, 1721, at Fort George, New York Province, measuring 12.75" x 8.25". This official Proclamation features an embossed wax seal in the upper left, and docketing on the back. Lavishly signed in large lettering, 1" high and nearly 3" long, having overall minor wear, a few trivial edge splits along the horizontal folds, with the signature and writing remaining very clear and legible. The ornate preamble and text reads:
"By his Excellency William Burnet Esq. Captain General and Governor in Chief of New York New Jersey and Territories thereon depending in America and Vice Admiral of the same &c. - A Proclamation - "Whereas the general Assembly of the Province of New York Stands Adjourned until Tuesday the fifth Day of December next; I have thought fit for his Majesties Service, And by Virtue of the Powers and Authority to me Given by His Majesties Letters patent under the Seal of Great Britain further to Adjourn the said General Assembly until the First Tuesday in February next. And do hereby accordingly adjourn the said general Assembly until the first Tuesday of February next. Of which all his majesties Subjects are to take Notice and Govern themselves accordingly. Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Fort George in New York the Thirtieth Day of November in the Eighth Year of his Majesties Reign Anno. Domini 1721. By his excellencys Command.…"W Burnet - God Save the King"
William Burnet (1688-1729) was a British civil servant and colonial administrator who served as governor of New York and New Jersey (1720-28) and Massachusetts (1728). Burnet was known as a man of ability and at the time of this proclamation he was advocating involving the English in the fur trade in order to reduce the French influence among native tribes. His Indian policy angered British traders and their backers in the provincial Assembly. Acts were passed by the (loyalist) Legislative Council of New York in 1720-1722, forbidding New York merchants from supplying Canada with goods for the fur trade. The sale of these goods, it was argued, had enabled France to control the trade of the West, and to hem in the English colonies. This document dates from that crucial period of British colonial expansion. Burnett drove the aristocracy; the Assembly led the opposition. This proclamation seems to delay the Assembly's actions. But, conflict continued with powerful mercantile forces which cared more for profit than for patriotic benefit. Burnett's struggle with certain mercantile groups and with the Assembly became increasingly bitter. This document helps detail key events in New York's early Colonial history and is a great addition for any better historical collection.
1721 Proclamation Adjourning the General Assembly of New York by Governor William Burnet
WILLIAM BURNET.
November 30, 1721, "A Proclamation," Document whereby early Colonial Governor Burnet adjourns the Colonial New York Assembly, Very Fine. This is an exceedingly rare, original Manuscript Document, Signed and Inscribed, "W Burnet - God Save the King", in crisp brown ink, as Governor of New York and New Jersey, written upon fine quality laid watermarked paper, dated November 30, 1721, at Fort George, New York Province, measuring 12.75" x 8.25". This official Proclamation features an embossed wax seal in the upper left, and docketing on the back. Lavishly signed in large lettering, 1" high and nearly 3" long, having overall minor wear, a few trivial edge splits along the horizontal folds, with the signature and writing remaining very clear and legible. The ornate preamble and text reads:
"By his Excellency William Burnet Esq. Captain General and Governor in Chief of New York New Jersey and Territories thereon depending in America and Vice Admiral of the same &c. - A Proclamation - "Whereas the general Assembly of the Province of New York Stands Adjourned until Tuesday the fifth Day of December next; I have thought fit for his Majesties Service, And by Virtue of the Powers and Authority to me Given by His Majesties Letters patent under the Seal of Great Britain further to Adjourn the said General Assembly until the First Tuesday in February next. And do hereby accordingly adjourn the said general Assembly until the first Tuesday of February next. Of which all his majesties Subjects are to take Notice and Govern themselves accordingly. Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Fort George in New York the Thirtieth Day of November in the Eighth Year of his Majesties Reign Anno. Domini 1721. By his excellencys Command.…"W Burnet - God Save the King"
William Burnet (1688-1729) was a British civil servant and colonial administrator who served as governor of New York and New Jersey (1720-28) and Massachusetts (1728). Burnet was known as a man of ability and at the time of this proclamation he was advocating involving the English in the fur trade in order to reduce the French influence among native tribes. His Indian policy angered British traders and their backers in the provincial Assembly. Acts were passed by the (loyalist) Legislative Council of New York in 1720-1722, forbidding New York merchants from supplying Canada with goods for the fur trade. The sale of these goods, it was argued, had enabled France to control the trade of the West, and to hem in the English colonies. This document dates from that crucial period of British colonial expansion. Burnett drove the aristocracy; the Assembly led the opposition. This proclamation seems to delay the Assembly's actions. But, conflict continued with powerful mercantile forces which cared more for profit than for patriotic benefit. Burnett's struggle with certain mercantile groups and with the Assembly became increasingly bitter. This document helps detail key events in New York's early Colonial history and is a great addition for any better historical collection.
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Auction details
Autographs-Coins-Currency-Americana
9:00 AM PT - Feb 10th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
