One-page manuscript deposition regarding the construction of a carriage by John Lucas, Boston coachmaker
Newport: April 7, 1729. Folio (approx. 12½" x 8"); countersigned by William Wanton by proxy; watermarked paper, previous folds; near fine. Adams, formerly of Boston "but now residing in Newport," makes a court deposition about the work of John Lucas and his dereliction of duty in regards to an order of a coach by Capt. George Wanton. "In the beginning of August last ...being very frequent at the workhouse of John Lucas of said Boston Coachmaker, several times saw Capt. George Wanton come to said Lucas about the Carriage of a Chaise, and several days waited for the same, and at last was disappointed by said Lucas and [was] obliged to take an old carriage of Col. Ellis Hatch ... and to give him £6 for the same, and likewise said Hatch to have the new carriage when finished of Mr. Lucas, and this deponent with another man that worked with said Lucas went to said Hatch & fetched the said Carriage, and about three hours after that said Chaise was hung ... but the said Wanton [?] an old harness for the horse, and this deponent took charge of the chaise & drove the same to Newport ... and that some time before the deponent worked with said Lucas, and heard Dr. Hooper several times enquire of the said Lucas if the said chaise was finished ... and this deponent saith not." The Wanton family were wealthy ship builders of Newport and William Wanton was governor of the state 1732-1733. George, son of Governor William Wanton, was born in 1694, and married Abigail, daughter of Benjamin Ellery, of Newport. Item #56112
Price: $500.00
