A 1p autograph document signed by John Saffin (ca. 1626/32-1710) in his role as Justice of the Peace of Bristol County in modern-day Rhode Island, both times as "Jno Saffin," the first time on the fifth line, and the second time at the conclusion of the document. June 16, 1695. Neatly inscribed in Saffin's hand on laid paper, and docketed verso. Some contemporaneous ink blots. Expected wear and paper flaws include even toning, flattened folds, and isolated discoloration along these folds. There are isolated areas of chipping and loss including an area touching the left side of about three lines of text. Else good to very good, and very legible. 7.75" x 12."

In mid-June 1695, John Saffin recorded details about a local woman's term of indentured servitude. The term of her indenture to the Crown was not specified in lengths of time, but rather corresponded to a specific monetary amount. Another resident, Thomas Birch, served as a surety or guarantor. The case of individuals immigrating to the British colonies as indentured servants is well-documented, but this case appears to involve colonists who were already established in the community.

The document reads in part, with original spelling and punctuation:

"Memorandum that on the 16th Day of June, In the seventh year of his Majestys Reign Deliverance Humery of Bristol Single woman, and Thomas Birch of the same place farmer personally Appeared before me Jno Saffin one of his Majestys Justices of the peace within this County and by this Recognisance the said Deliverance as Principle bound her Self in the Sume of twenty pounds Sterling and the said Birch as Surety in the Sume of ten pounds Sterling to our Sovereign Lord king William the Third his heirs and Successors, To the true performance here of they binde themselves their heirs Exc…"

The pair also pledged to appear at the next Bristol County Sessions of the Peace, and in the interim to "be of good behaviour, and Doe keep the peace of our Sovereign Lord the king."

John Saffin became one of Massachusetts Bay Colony's richest merchants after directly establishing trading relations between southern New England and Virginia; the two regions exchanged tobacco, slaves, animal hides, lumber, and fish among other commodities. Saffin's wealth translated into community prestige and political power. He served as Speaker of the General Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1684, and from 1692-1702 as the Judge of Common Pleas and probate judge for Bristol County.

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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