Description:

ROBERT TREAT PAINE SEIZES LANDS OF A BRITISH WAR HERO
Fine content partly-printed war-date D.S. signed twice "Robt Treat Paine" and "Robert Treat Paine" as Attorney General of the Province of Massachusetts, 1p. 13" x 20", July 2, 1780 concerning the confiscation of property of British war-her, Major John Coffin of Boston, a loyalist who had served in the British Army throughout the Revolution. The document states that Coffin had: "levied war and conspired to levy war against the government and people of the Province, Colony, and state and then adhered to the King of Great Britain, his fleets and armies and an enemy of said province, Colony, and state and did give them aid an comfort." It further declares that Coffin had withdrawn to New York, Halifax and Quebec and had not returned: his land in Boston, described at bottom, was therefore forfeited to the Commonwealth. In excellent condition, and witness to the retribution taken out Tories and other Loyalists. Coffin was born in Boston, the son of Nathaniel Coffin and Elizabeth Barnes. He entered the British Army and fought hand-to-hand at Bunker Hill, later becoming a major in the Orange Rangers in 1777. The Orange Rangers helped to defeat Washington in the Battle of Long Island, and by 1778, Coffin had moved to the south, namely Georgia, where he commanded a cavalry unit made up of loyal planters. His bravery in the battles of Savannah and Hobkirks Hill along with his success in the Battle of Cross Creek, won Coffin high praise. Coffin also opened the battle at Eutaw Springs when he and a few of his men, who were out digging yams, came across the rebel army of Nathaniel Green. His fire on the advancing enemy drew the attention of the British encampment and averted a surprise attack. As the war was coming to an end, Coffin found himself in Virginia where he was presented with a sword and new rank of major by Cornwallis. With the noose tightening on the British, and the troops facing starvation, Coffin continued to stage daring raids through the enemy lines in search of food. During this time the rebels posted a large reward for Coffin''s capture, but it was never collected. Sir Guy Carleton, the Commander and Chief of the British forces appointed Coffin Major of the American Regiment, shortly before the end of the war. In 1783, he was placed on half pay and brought his family to what is now New Brunswick where he built a grist mill and a sawmill. He also sold fish, lumber and rum. Coffin raised the New Brunswick Fencibles during the War of 1812 and in 1819, he was given the rank of full general.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

December 10, 2016 11:00 AM EST
Wilmington, DE, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000