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THB1717 Partially-Printed Document Signed, Sam(uel) Shute, Captain General and Governour
Lot 35
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Early American History Auctions
1520 Commerce St., #312
Winchester, VA 22601
United States
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By Early American History Auctions
Dec 20, 2025
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2025-12-20 12:00:00
2025-12-20 12:00:00
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Bidsquare : Early American History Auctions - December 20, 2025
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/early-american-history-auctions/early-american-history-auctions---december-20-2025-21473
199 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Historic Maps & more. Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
199 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Historic Maps & more. Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
View Full Catalog (199)
- Lot Description
Autographs
1717 Samuel Shute Royal Governor of Massachusetts-Bay Signed Military Appointment Promoting Benjamin Prescott, Father of William Prescott the Bunker Hill Hero Commanding American Forces on June 17th, 1775
October 4th, 1717-Dated Early Colonial Period, Partially-Printed Document Signed, "Sam(uel) Shute," Captain General and Governour in Chief, of Massachusetts-Bay & over His Majesty's Province in New-England, &c. colony's militia, appointing Benjamin Prescott to the rank of Lieutenant in the company overseen by his father, Jonas Prescott, Framed, Very Fine.
This October 4th, 1717-Dated Early Colonial Period, Military Appointment promoting Benjamin Prescott Esqr. to the rank of Lieutenant is 1 page, measuring 13" tall x 16.5" wide boldly printed in deep black on light evenly aged laid period paper. There is one trivial fold half inch split at right bottom that does not detract from the vivid eye appeal. Framed to 15.5" x 19" not examined out of its modern wood frame, displayed under protective UV Plexiglas. This rare 1717 military promotion to Benjamin Prescott, being the Father of William Prescott, the Bunker Hill Hero Commanding American Forces on June 17th, 1775, with a bronze Statue of Colonel Prescott in his honor now proudly standing in front of the Bunker Hill Monument.
William Prescott is important to the history of the United States for his leadership of American forces during the Revolutionary War, especially at the Battle of Bunker Hill where he led the expedition that built the redoubt on Breed's Hill and then commanded the defenses when the British attacked on June 17th, 1775. William Prescott's father was Benjamin Prescott (1696"1738). Benjamin was an "accomplished and active man" who came from a prominent and prosperous New England family with deep colonial roots. Benjamin Prescott was the son of Jonas Prescott, who was the youngest son of John Prescott, one of the first settlers of Lancaster, Massachusetts, in the 1640s. The family established a firm base in New England after their ancestor, James Prescott who Benjamin will be subservient to in rank, and a gentleman who provided protection to Queen Elizabeth, left England in 1638.
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William Prescott is considered a hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill for his leadership and bravery in commanding the American forces on June 17, 1775. Although the American militia eventually lost the battle, Prescott's leadership led to heavy casualties for the British, boosting colonial morale.
Prescott was chosen to lead the Provincial militia and ordered them to build a fort (redoubt) on Breed's Hill, an area closer to Boston than the originally designated Bunker Hill. As the battle began with British cannon fire, Prescott famously walked on top of the redoubt's walls to calm his men and show them they had nothing to fear.
After repelling two British assaults, the Americans ran out of ammunition and were forced to retreat during the third attack. Prescott was one of the last to leave the redoubt, fighting the British with his saber. Despite the retreat, the battle showed that the American militia could stand against the well-trained British regulars. A bronze Statue of Colonel Prescott now stands in front of the Bunker Hill Monument.
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