1776 Document written “IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Isaac Gleason of Worcester, Massachusetts, I believe a private in Capt. Benjamin Flagg’s Co., marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, to Lexington and Concord, on the first day of our war for independence.

This is one of the most significant non-military private documents that I have ever owned, and have had this one for over 30 years tucked away. As written, “In Witness whereof do hereunto set hand and Seal this 19^th Day of November Anno Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six and in the first year of the United States of America.”

I have seen thousands and thousands of early American paper, and this is the only piece that bore such a important and fabulous historical phrase evoking the pride in a citizen of the new American Republic.

The document, with exception to other signatures, is entirely in Isaac Gleason’s hand. He being the one buying the land has added his own memorandum to the deed below the seller’s signature. And interestingly the seal was cut from the bottom corner of the document, not commonly seen.

Some light staining and holing in the junction of the folds otherwise in very good condition.

Gleason was later commissioned a Lieutenant, in Capt. Cyrus Rich’s Co., May of 1776, and again in April of 1778. He was a Blacksmith.