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Deerfield, May 15th 1782

These may certify that William Stoddard Williams of
Deerfield in the State of Massachusetts has for some Time
been attended with Bodily Illness, and is now Journeying
for the Recovery of his Health; and as there never has any thing
appeared to us but that he always has been and now is a sincere
Friend To the Independence of America, We desire that the
said Wm Stoddard Williams may pass unmolested to any Place
he shall see fit to go to within the United States, where
a further Certificate in not absolutely Necessary.

Joseph Stebbins}
Seth Catlin} Selectmen
Ansel Childs} of Deerfield
Elihu Field}




(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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This letter, written in May of 1782, guarantees "unmolested passage" to young William Stoddard Williams. Williams, at this time, was traveling between the Massachusetts towns of Deerfield, where he lived with his family, and West Stockbridge, where he was studying medicine with Erastus Sergeant. Massachusetts and the other 12 colonies were at war with Great Britain and a member of the Williams family, many of whom were nominal loyalists, ran the risk of being detained by patriots. The war was over but there had been no peace treaty yet and divided loyalties were still evident.

 

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Letter from Deerfield Selectmen re: travel of William Stoddard Williams

creator   Selectmen of Deerfield
date   May 15, 1782
location   Deerfield, Massachusetts
height   6.25"
width   7.75"
process/materials   manuscript, paper, ink
item type   Legal Documents/Certificate
accession #   #L99.027


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See Also...

A List of Wearing Apparel, Books, &c. of William Stoddard Williams

Letter to Dr. William Stoddard Williams from Oliver Partridge

Medical proficiency certificate of William Stoddard Williams


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