Sale 2455 - Printed & Manuscript Americana, September 28, 2017

160 c   (MASSACHUSETTS.) Williams, Stephen. Original manuscript sermon notes by the “Boy Captive of Deerfield.” Autograph Manuscript, 2 pages on one sheet, 6 x 3 3 / 4 inches; moderate wear including a 1 / 2 -inch chip missing from upper corner with loss of a few words; later note in pencil identifies the author. “LM” [Longmeadow, MA], 26 March 1721 [1,500/2,500] The Rev. Stephen Williams (1694-1782) was born in Deerfield, MA. After a 1704 Indian raid, he was held captive for about 18 months before being restored to his family. He went on to become a Congregational minister in Longmeadow, MA for more than 60 years. These sermon notes are headed “PM, preached at LM March 26 1721.” The notes are not signed by Williams, but his transcribed diary for this date suggests that he was at home in Longmeadow for the Sabbath on this date, and the small crabbed handwriting is similar to a surviving 1765 Williams letter at Dartmouth, including the frequent use of underlining. We are aware of no other Williams letters or manuscripts at auction since Anderson Galleries handled a group from 1918 to 1927. 159 c   (MASSACHUSETTS.) Statement of the Expenses of the Town of Boston, from May 1803, to May 1804. Letterpress broadside, 16 x 14 inches, signed in type by Benjamin Sumner as treasurer and collector; cropped to text, folds, manuscript notes on both sides, moderate toning and wear. [Boston, 1804] [300/400] A detailed accounting of the city’s budget, with the largest expenses being schools, streets, and support of the poor. Specific street projects are itemized, as are many other projects such as new firehouses. Income flowed mainly from taxes, but also from rent of stalls at Faneuil Hall and other sources. Shaw & Shoemaker 5893; 3 copies listed in OCLC. 160