WILLIAM PEPPERRELL. Autograph Document Signed, Kittery [ME], 31 August 1736. 1 page, 8½" x 7½".

An important colonial merchant and general, William Pepperrell held many public offices in Massachusetts (and in Maine, then a part of Massachusetts), most notably serving on the Governor’s Council from 1727 until his death in 1759, and for eighteen of those years, as the Council’s President. As a soldier, he was a leader in the militia and an expert in Indian affairs, but he is best-known for commanding the successful expedition against the French fortress at Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island in 1745.

In this document, Pepperrell acts in his capacity of Justice of the Peace to direct the sheriff, undersheriff, or constable in York County to bring Jedidiah Preble, yeoman, before a justice of the peace to answer a charge made by Ebenezer Moulton, tailor. Moulton alleges that the day before, he “was Assaultd threatnd & much Abused” by Preble “in His Majstys highway...Preble meeting ye sd Moulton in ye sd highway & Stoping him by taking hold of ye rains of his bridle & threatend him & Strok at him all wch is Contr. to ye peace of our Sovereign Lord ye King...& ye Laws of this Pro.” Moulton also “declarth that he is Affaird ye sd Jedidiah will do him sum bodyly harm.” Pepperrell has signed the directive, “Wm Pepperrell.”

On the back are two documents written by other officials in September 1736 saying that Preble was apprehended and pleaded not guilty to the charge and that he posted a bond so that he could be released until the next court session in Falmouth in October.

The document has a bit of wear, but is in very good condition overall, with Pepperrell’s writing quite clear and dark. $1500.00

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