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Royal Colonial Governor Samuel Cranston Signed of Rhode IslandMilitary Commission “In Case of Any Invasion” 1722

SAMUEL CRANSTON (1659-1727). Royal Colonial Governor of Rhode Island in office (1698-1727), Elected to office 30 times (twice in 1698), and served as R.I. Governor longer than any other individual; Goldsmith by trade admitted a Freeman in 1684, was Assistant in 1696, Major of the Colony forces in 1698, and was elected Governor in 1698.

July 9, 1722-Dated Colonial Rhode Island Manuscript Document Signed, “Saml Cranston, Govr” at lower right on a Military Commission elevating Richard Sayles to the office of Ensign of the Second Company or Trained Band of the Town of Providence. Accomplished on laid paper with an “R H” watermark, with dark, crisp handwriting and a bold Cranston signature. The original wax and paper seal remains intact at upper left. This document measures about 8” x 12.75” and shows normal light toning, the usual untrimmed edges, and some minor loss on the edged, none affecting the bold signature. Countersigned by Richard Ward as Secretary. This document is important not only for Cranston’s signature, but because it reflected the constant fear of attack that the colonists lived under: “...in case of any invasion or assault of a common enemy to infest or disturb this his Majesty’s Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company...” Very rare.

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SAMUEL CRANSTON (1659-1727). Royal Colonial Governor of Rhode Island in office (1698-1727), Elected to office 30 times (twice in 1698), and served as R.I. Governor longer than any other individual; Goldsmith by trade admitted a Freeman in 1684, was Assistant in 1696, Major of the Colony forces in 1698, and was elected Governor in 1698.

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