South Kingstown, Rhode Island, April 5, 1774.
Original manuscript legal writ issued in the name of King George III, concerning 165 acres of land in South Kingstown, including buildings, meadow, and pasture. Of particular interest, the document names two future signers of the Declaration of Independence: Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery.
Addressed to Beriah Brown, Sheriff of King’s County, the writ directs him to summon Ephraim Smith, described as “the common vouchee,” in a land-title proceeding involving William Smith. Its language indicates a common recovery, a formal legal procedure employed to establish or clear title to property.
William Ellery of Newport appears in the passage identifying the claimant asserting a right and inheritance in the property. His name has been struck through and a replacement inserted above it, preserving an intriguing contemporary amendment. Stephen Hopkins is named in the court’s formal witness clause.
Signed by the prothonotary, whose signature reads approximately “Jo Rodman,” and bearing a service endorsement apparently signed “B Brown, Sherr.” The references to Hopkins and Ellery are within the manuscript text; this document is offered for its association with them, without attribution of either signer’s autograph.
Attractively written in period ink with decorative calligraphy and an embossed paper seal at upper left. Visible condition includes customary folds, small marginal fold splits, scattered staining, and a faint later pencil notation. Text remains substantially clear and legible.
An engaging colonial Rhode Island manuscript linking land ownership and royal judicial administration with the names of two men who would sign the Declaration of Independence just two years later.
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