Francis Bernard Signed Pay Order for Sick Soldiers, French & Indian War

1p, measuring 5.5" x 7.25", Boston, dated May 18, 1763. A partially-printed document signed "Fra Bernard" as Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, addressed to Treasurer Gray. Bernard directs Gray to make a payment to a doctor for attending to ill soldiers from the French and Indian War. Reading in part: "You are…ordered and directed to pay unto Docr. Jona. Davis the Sum of Thirteen Pounds 3/10d for Meds. & attende.ee on Sundry sick soldiers 1762…to be paid out of the Appropriation for the Expedn 1762." With docketing on verso. Mail folds and uneven toning. Light foxing in places. A few instances of ink bleed-through from docketing on verso. Boldly signed. 

Sir Francis Bernard, 1st Baronet (1712-1779) was a British colonial administrator who served as governor of the provinces of New Jersey and Massachusetts Bay. He arrived in the colonies during the midst of the French and Indian War and initially established a good working relationship with the New Jersey assembly to raise funds and a militia for the war effort. In late 1759, Bernard was appointed governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Unlike his dealings in New Jersey, his uncompromising policies and harsh tactics in Massachusetts angered the colonists and led to wide opposition which culminated in the outbreak of the American Revolution. He was recalled to England in 1769 but continued to advise the British government on harsh punishments for the colonists. He suffered a stroke in 1771 and eventually died in 1779.

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.

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