MESHECH WEARE—1784 NEW HAMPSHIRE COLONEL’S COMMISSION WITH GREAT SEAL
An original early-statehood New Hampshire militia commission signed by Meshech Weare, Revolutionary governor, chairman of the Committee of Safety and one of the most important political leaders in New Hampshire history.
Issued at Exeter on December 25, 1784, the document appoints Revolutionary-era officer Nathaniel Emerson of Chester colonel of the 17th Regiment of New Hampshire Militia.
The commission commands Emerson to lead, order and exercise the regiment, maintain its officers and soldiers in proper discipline and obey instructions received from the commander in chief. The 17th Regiment consisted of militia companies from Chester, Candia, Raymond and Allenstown.
Particularly evocative is the commission’s declaration that it was issued in:
“the Ninth” year of “the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.”
The document is signed “M. Weare” by Meshech Weare as president of New Hampshire and countersigned by Ebenezer Thompson, secretary of state. The large original embossed paper-and-wax Great Seal of New Hampshire, displaying the rising sun and ship motif, remains attached at the upper left.
A contemporary endorsement dated January 13, 1785, records that Colonel Emerson personally appeared in Rockingham County and took the required oaths of allegiance and office.
Meshech Weare (1713–1786) led New Hampshire throughout the Revolutionary War, serving as its chief executive, chairman of its Committee of Safety and chief justice. This concentration of civil, military and judicial responsibility earned him recognition as the “father of New Hampshire.” The present commission was issued during the closing weeks of his final term.
Nathaniel Emerson (1741–1824) was a Chester resident and Revolutionary-era militia officer who had previously served as lieutenant colonel of the 17th Regiment. This commission elevated him to command of the entire regiment.
Condition: Approximately 15½ × 12½ inches. Considerable overall browning, staining and foxing; intersecting folds with splitting and localized losses; irregular and chipped margins; losses at both lower corners. The reverse has extensive old tape reinforcement along the folds and margins. The original state seal remains substantially complete, and Meshech Weare’s signature is bold and readily legible. Offered with all faults clearly illustrated.
A scarce and impressive post-Revolutionary military appointment bearing the signature of New Hampshire’s first chief executive, its original Great Seal and an unusually desirable colonel-level commission.
An original early-statehood New Hampshire militia commission signed by Meshech Weare, Revolutionary governor, chairman of the Committee of Safety and one of the most important political leaders in New Hampshire history.
Issued at Exeter on December 25, 1784, the document appoints Revolutionary-era officer Nathaniel Emerson of Chester colonel of the 17th Regiment of New Hampshire Militia.
The commission commands Emerson to lead, order and exercise the regiment, maintain its officers and soldiers in proper discipline and obey instructions received from the commander in chief. The 17th Regiment consisted of militia companies from Chester, Candia, Raymond and Allenstown.
Particularly evocative is the commission’s declaration that it was issued in:
“the Ninth” year of “the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.”
The document is signed “M. Weare” by Meshech Weare as president of New Hampshire and countersigned by Ebenezer Thompson, secretary of state. The large original embossed paper-and-wax Great Seal of New Hampshire, displaying the rising sun and ship motif, remains attached at the upper left.
A contemporary endorsement dated January 13, 1785, records that Colonel Emerson personally appeared in Rockingham County and took the required oaths of allegiance and office.
Meshech Weare (1713–1786) led New Hampshire throughout the Revolutionary War, serving as its chief executive, chairman of its Committee of Safety and chief justice. This concentration of civil, military and judicial responsibility earned him recognition as the “father of New Hampshire.” The present commission was issued during the closing weeks of his final term.
Nathaniel Emerson (1741–1824) was a Chester resident and Revolutionary-era militia officer who had previously served as lieutenant colonel of the 17th Regiment. This commission elevated him to command of the entire regiment.
Condition: Approximately 15½ × 12½ inches. Considerable overall browning, staining and foxing; intersecting folds with splitting and localized losses; irregular and chipped margins; losses at both lower corners. The reverse has extensive old tape reinforcement along the folds and margins. The original state seal remains substantially complete, and Meshech Weare’s signature is bold and readily legible. Offered with all faults clearly illustrated.
A scarce and impressive post-Revolutionary military appointment bearing the signature of New Hampshire’s first chief executive, its original Great Seal and an unusually desirable colonel-level commission.
