Rev. War Dated Commission of MA Naval Hero Simeon Sampson, Captain of "Armed Brigantine called the Independence"

A contemporary clerical copy of an original Massachusetts Bay Colony document appointing Simeon Sampson (1736-1789) as captain of the "Independence," a Massachusetts State Navy vessel. Captain Sampson was the first naval officer commissioned by the Massachusetts legislature. The appointment was issued from Watertown, Massachusetts on April 17, 1776, almost one year to the day following the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Simeon Sampson has apparently signed this "True Copy" at lower right; other signatories' names are written, not signed, along the bottom and left edge. Expected light wear including paper folds, several discrete repairs to fold breaks, and isolated foxing, else clean and bright. Displayed in a floating mount and matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. The actual size of the document is 18.125" x 14.5" while the overall framed size is 24.25" x 21" x 1."

In part:

"To Simeon Sampson - Gentleman - Greeting. You, being appointed to take the Command of the Armed Brigantine called the Independence of the burthen of 120 Tons or thereabouts, Mounting fourteen Carriage & twelve Swivel Guns, and navigated by One Hundred Men fitted out at the Expence [sic], and for the Service of the Colony -

By virtue of the Power vested in Us. We do by these Presents (reposing Special trust, and Confidence in your Ability, Courage, and good Conduct) commission you accordingly, and give you the Said Simeon Sampson full Power with Such Persons as you Shall engage to your Assistance, by form of Arms to attack, Seize, and take the Ships and Other Vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain, or any of them with their Tackle, Apparel, Furniture and Ladings on the high Seas or between high Water and low Water Marks, and to bring the Same, to some convenient Port in the Colony…"

The brigantine "Independence" was built in Kingston, Massachusetts in 1776. With Captain Sampson at the helm of "Independence," five prizes were secured in its first months of service, including the 50-ton British schooner "Roebuck" commanded by Plymouth, Massachusetts Tory captain Gideon White. Captain Sampson seized the "Roebuck" in Barrington Harbor and towed it back to Plymouth. But Captain Sampson's luck ran out in January 1777, when "Independence" was captured by Captain George Dawson at Halifax. In the pitched sea battle, Captain Sampson reportedly shot three crew members who had deserted their posts, and Captain Dawson was so impressed with Sampson's resolve that the defeated Patriot was allowed to keep his officer's sword, according to the Pilgrim Hall Museum of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Captain Sampson triumphantly returned to naval command after he was released from Fort Cumberland near Halifax. He captained the brig "Hazard," the packet ship "Mercury" in 1779, and the armed ship "Mars" in 1780. Interestingly, Captain Simeon Sampson was distantly related to Deborah Cushing Sampson Gannett (1760-1827), the celebrated Revolutionary War female soldier. (Simeon was Deborah's father Jonathan's cousin.)

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!