Maine Militia 1817 Request for Artillery to Salute President

Autograph Letter Signed, "Asa Freeman", as Captain, 1p, 8" x 9.25", York, June 28, 1817. Docket and endorsement on verso. Folds, ink show-through, unevenly cut left edge, tear at bottom right corner, very minor foxing, else near Fine.

Captain Freeman writes to Quartermaster General Amasa Davis, in part, "Will you have the goodness to deliver to Wm. Tuckerman (who will receipt for the same in my behalf) the stock of powder, tubes, match-rope...which the Artillery Company...is entitled to receive from the Commonwealth in consequence of an order from Brigadier Gen. Leighton, to hold the Artillery Company in readiness to meet the President of the U.S. when he enters this Division & to pay the proper and customary salutes..."

This letter was written when Maine was a part of Massachusetts. Maine became its own state in 1820; it was the 23rd state admitted to the United States of America.

Asa Freeman (1788-1867) attended Harvard College, but did not graduate. Instead, he worked in his brother's law office in Portsmouth, NH, where he studied under the direction of Isaac Lyman of York, Maine. He was admitted as an attorney in York County, Maine in 1816, and practiced there until 1818. Freeman was Captain of the York Company until November 1817.

Amasa Davis (1744-1825) was Quartermaster General in the Continental Army during the maneuvers around Boston. He participated in the Boston Tea Party and served in the Revolutionary Army. Davis earned the rank of Brigadier General while serving with his distinguished brother, Robert Davis.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!