Manuscript document signed by Samuel and Hanna Spencer of "Hadam in the Colony of Connecticott in New England" documenting the transfer of a parcel of land in New London which "originally was the land of Peter Blachford whose widow I have married" unto Joshua Hemstead of New London. 10 May 1683. 2pp, 9 x 13 in. (sight), 13 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (framed) (losses along left edge line and some near center affecting text, small tears, folds, unexamined outside frame). Witnessed and entered into records by Charles Hill. Verso with signature of Richard Christophers.

Samuel Spencer (ca 1654-1705) was the  son of Gerard and Hannah Spencer, immigrants from Bedfordshire, England who had settled in Essex County, Massachusetts. Samuel and his family were among the first permanent European settlers in the area of Haddam, CT. Joshua Hempstead (spellings vary) was from a prominent New London family who originally arrived in New London in 1646 with John Winthrop the Younger. Richard Christophers (?-1726) was a prominent New London merchant and ship owner who conducted extensive business in the West Indies and served in a large number of important governmental roles in the city and for the colony.

A scarce and particularly early piece of American historical ephemera.