Autographs
Nathaniel Barber "Boston Tea Party" Participant, Signed as Acting "Muster Master" Massachusetts State Naval Officer
NATHANIEL BARBER (1728-1787). Boston "Tea Party" active participant, Barber was a prominent Boston merchant and Patriot, served on the Town's Committees of Correspondence and Public Safety, and after the war was appointed State Naval Officer of the Port of Boston, Revolutionary War Muster Master for Suffolk County, Commissary of Boston's military stores until 1781.
January 6, 1778-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Rare Partially-Printed Document Signed, "Nath Barber", 1 page, measuring 6.5" x 8", Very Fine. An exceedingly rare Revolutionary War Form being Signed as "Muster Master" here mustering of two Soldiers, both with French surnames. It reads:
"This may certify, that Lewis Baptist De Jayne & Louis Marie Deare belonging to Captain --- Company, in the Battalion commanded by Coltrane has been Mustered, and received the Bounty allowed by this state, viz. - (Signed) Nath(aniel) Barber Muster Master, County Suffolk - Boston Jan. 6, 1778."
Quarterfolded with some minor fold edge splits, boldly printed in deep black on clean laid period paper having a large partial British crown watermark. The first of this exceedingly rare Revolutionary War form we have seen. Ex: EAHA Auction 11-20-2014 which then sold for $2,895.