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Manuscript letter of instructions signed by nine directors of the New Englad Mississippi Land Company on page 3: John C. Long (sp.?), J.A. Sullivan, Perez Morton, Samuel Sewall, William Hull, Benja Joy, Benjamin Hitchborn, Samuel Dexter, and William Payne, Boston, MA, 16 November 1802. 4 pages, 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 in., two archival repairs made to the back fold on page 4, very good. 

The letter is addressed "Gentlemen," to the five attorneys (Benjamin Hitchborn, Samuel Dexter, William Hull, Perez Morton, and William Payne) who would be "on the spot" to negotiate the vast claim of United States land ceded by Georgia in front of the United States Commissioners. An important document, arising out of the settlement of the Yazoo claims after the State of Georgia sold her Yazoo lands to speculators, rescinded the sale, and ceded the country to the United States. The New England Mississippi Land Company had large claims against the government which they hoped to have settled by the five directors appointed under this power. 

The preparer of this manuscript for the nine signers is not identified. The New England Mississippi Land Company is also not mentioned by name in this letter. However, Perez Morton, one of the signers of the letter, was the author of "Memorial of the Agents of the New England Mississippi Land Company to Congress: With a Vindication of Their Title at Law Annexed." The University of Georgia, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, has a collection of records from the New England Mississippi Land Company from 1785-1826 and lists Perez Morton in the finding aid. A few other signers are also referenced in online documents pertaining to the New England Mississippi Land Company.