Governor John Hancock Appoints a Revolutionary War Officer a Quarter Master in the Massachusetts Militia
A very rare appointment format, addressed to the appointee personally
Ezra Morse was from a family that had been in Massachusetts since the 17th century. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he early enlisted in the cause. As a historian wrote of him: “Col. Ezra Morse, of Sharon. He was distinguished for high mindedness, patriotism, and combativeness. In the hour that tried...
Ezra Morse was from a family that had been in Massachusetts since the 17th century. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he early enlisted in the cause. As a historian wrote of him: “Col. Ezra Morse, of Sharon. He was distinguished for high mindedness, patriotism, and combativeness. In the hour that tried men’s souls, he was among the foremost in the field, and early enlisted for the war in the Continental Army, in which he commanded a regiment.”
Governor John Hancock determined to appoint him to serve as a regimental quarter master in the Massachusetts militia. Document signed, Boston, July 23, 1788, affixed to a light board behind it. “You being appointed Quarter Master of the fourth Regiment in the first Division of the militia of this Commonwealth comprehending the County of Suffolk By virtue of the power vested in me, I do by these presents reposing special trust & confidence in your ability, integrity and good conduct, do commission you accordingly. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Quarter Master of said Regiment in all things appertaining thereto…” Affixed to a light board.
This is a very rare form of appointment. All the others we have seen are records of appointments, not addressed to anyone. This one is specifically addressed to Morse, starting out “You being appointed Quarter Master…”
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