Description: Colonial America


1699 Colonial Milford, CT Warrant Mentioning Indian Corn

1pp cream paper document dispatched from Hartford colonial administrators to the Constables of Milford" dated "Decb 28th 1699". Inscribed by two secretarial hands and signed by Treasurer Joseph Whiting in two places. The document also mentions Lieutenant Governor Robert Treat, a resident of Milford, at bottom. Docket information verso. In very good condition overall with dark ink. Condition issues include expected paper folds, some quite well-defined, uneven edges, several areas of professional restoration visible verso, and weathering and discoloration to docket panel.

"Those are in His Majsts Name to Require you to Collect of the Inhabitants of your Town three pence on the pound according to the lists of those Estates presented and Entred att the Genll Court in october Last which amounteth to the Sum of one hindrd twenty eight pounds fourteen shill ssans - - - - - - 128 = 14 = 00", Milford residents were directed in late 1699.

Milford, CT residents could pay their tax with currency or with goods, such as wheat, rye, peas, Indian corn, pork, or oxen. If residents couldn’t find local buyers to convert livestock and provisions into money, they were instructed to sell them via a Boston merchant named William Koen. Milford constables were authorized by colonial officials to seize tax money from those who refused to pay their share. Before October 1700, Milford was to pay the total tax of 128 £ and fourteen shillings, as well as generate a new property holder list.

Joseph Whiting (1640-1717), who signed this document in his official capacity of Treasurer of Connecticut colony, lived in Hartford and modern day Western Massachusetts. Whiting steered the colony’s finances for thirty-nine years.

The bottom of the document gives instruction about town official salary. Robert Treat (1624-1710), former Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut colony and a Milford resident, was earmarked to receive 31 £. Robert Treat was one of the early founders of New Haven colony and Newark, New Jersey. During the Dominion of New England, Treat was purportedly involved in hiding the Connecticut charter. His descendant Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814) was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

A handsome 315+ year old document dated seven years after Connecticut colony’s northern neighbors conducted the Salem Witch Trials.


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