Nov 21 at 12:00 PM - Sale 2687 -
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Sale 2687 - Lot 26

Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1780.) Power of attorney and will drawn up by a sailor about to debark on a privateer. Partly printed Document Signed by James Beecher and others. 3 pages, 13 x 8 inches, with docketing on final blank; folds, moderate wear and soiling. [Philadelphia?], 22 September 1780
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Additional Details

On the surface, this is a routine power of attorney document signed by "James Beecher, mariner on board the General Green under the command of Capt. James Hollinshead," granting power over his financial affairs to James Johnson, yeoman of Philadelphia. It is followed by a simple last will and testament on the second leaf, in which Beecher in the event of his death grants Johnson "the full of my share of the prizes that may fall to my lot on board the said ship" and the remainder of his estate. Written on the blank second page are 4 receipts in which the beneficiary Johnson signs for money: $1005 on 28 December 1780, $400 on 16 January 1781, £705 on 11 February 1781, and finally £2133 on 20 February for "the prizes taken by ship Genl. Greene," all signed by Johnson with "his mark."

The mention of prizes suggests that Beecher was aboard a privateer rather than a naval vessel. We don't find any vessels in the Continental Navy named the General Green. Of the dozens of privateers running out of Philadelphia during the Revolution, three bore that name, commissioned in 1779, 1780, and 1782 (see Burgess, "Colonial Scrapbook: The Southern New Jersey Coast: 1675-1783"). What we don't know: whether Beecher died at sea, or was captured, or Johnson was just gathering in the money until the ship returned. We also don't know what Beecher's relationship was to Johnson--likely a close friend or family member, as an illiterate man would be unlikely to solicit these sorts of commissions. Given the dangerous nature of privateering, putting your affairs in order before departure would seem like a wise idea--although we don't recall ever seeing a document like this before.

Adding to the interest is the printer of this form, named as John Dunlap at the head of the first page. He of course printed the famous broadside Declaration of Independence in 1776.

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