Manuscript Document 2 pp. report of a committee on the purchase of lands from the Indian properties at Hassanamisco with a recommendation that the petitioners and purchasers be required to maintain a minister and schoolmaster for the Hassanamisco Indians without a charge on their posterity.  Carefully penned with a smooth flowing script, it reads in part:

“Decem. 19, 1727, John Stoddard Esq. from the committee appointed to project a method to oblige the purchasers of Hasanamisco Lands to comply with the conditions of the purchase gave in the following report, viz…Hansanamisco have liberty to purchase a Tract of Land, commonly known by that name, of the Indians Proprietors thereof, are humbly of opinion That the Petitioners before the execution of their deeds…the Cost of building a Meeting house convenient for the Public Worship for themselves and nine English families settled in Hasanamisco and the Indian Inhabitants…for building a School House…settling a learned minister…In council Read and accepted In the House of Representatives, Read & Concurred, Consented to Wm Dummer, a true Copy of Record in the Secretary’s Office…”

 

Signed: “Attest: Jn Cotton D. Secy” 12 x 8”.

Hassanamisco Indians Historic Sign in Grafton

In 1727 40 Petitioners" purchased 7500 acres called Hassanamisco from the Indian natives for 2500 Pounds.  8 years later in 1735 this land was incorporated as Grafton, Massachusetts. This appears to be a later copy penned most likely 1760’s.  A few small tears, light fold separations, very bright, clean and Very Rare.                    1000. up