By His EXCELLENCY

John Hancock, Esq.

GOVERNOUR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF

MASSACHUSETTS.

TO Seth Nims Gentleman --------------GREETING

YOU being appointed Ensign of a Company in the Second Regiment
second Brigade and fourth Division of Militia in this Commonwealth, --
comprehending the County of Hampshire--------
By Virtue of the Power vested in me, I do by these Presents, (reposing special
Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct) Com-
mission you accordingly.--You are therefore carefully and diligently to dis-
charge the duty of an Ensign in leading, ordering, and exercising said
Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep
them in good Order and Discipline : And they are hereby commanded to
obey you, as their Ensign and you are yourself to observe and
follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive
from me, or your superior Officers.

GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the said Commonwealth, the Ninth
Day of April --- in the Year of our LORD, 1788, and of the Independence
of the United States of AMERICA, the Twelfth

By His Excellency's Command,

John Avery junSec^y

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Seth Nims (1762-1831) of Deerfield, Massachusetts, fought against the insurgents during Shays' Rebellion. He was appointed Ensign of the 2nd Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Division of the Massachusetts Militia in April 1788. As Ensign, he was charged with leading, ordering, and exercising his Company in Arms. This commission is a standard government form with the signature of the Governor, John Hancock, and the seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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