How History Unfolds on Paper: Choice Selections from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part IX

[COLONIAL AMERICA]. Autograph manuscript tavern license or recognition granted to Jabez Howland Inholder, John Cary Carpentar, and Jeremiah Osborn, Bristoll County, New England, 13 April 1697. One-page, folio (305 x 197 mm), docketed on verso, old folds, staining or browning at inner margin affecting some text. The Tavern Recognition is granted by John Saffin Esquire, a legal representative of King William III, and describes the fees paid and conditions operating a “Common Inn Alehouse or Victualling House and to use Common Selling of wine Beer Ale Cide etc:”. Hours of operation, currency to be used, the nature of employees and more are all spelled out. Of particular interest are clauses forbidding “…any playing of Cards dice tables…Billiards or and other unlawful Game or Games in his house…”, and restricting the customer base; “Nor shall sell any wine Liquor or other strong drinks to any apprentices Servants Indians or Negros”. Bristol County was created by the Plymouth Colony, and at this time included towns now found in Rhode Island. The document dates from just six years following the end of the Plymouth Colony.