ANOTHER PROPERTY
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION -- YALE COLLEGE]. Engraved document accomplished and signed by President Naphtali Daggett (1727-1780), and six professors including Moses Dickinson (1695-1778), Warham Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Eliphat Williams, [New Haven, Conn.], 24 July 1776. 1 page, 4to, minor staining, upper left-hand corner torn and repaired affecting part of border, small mends to holes at fold intersections, half the original red wax seal present. A fine specimen of American copperplate engraving, signed "A. Buell, sculp.," with a delicate engraved border of scrolling foliage, at the bottom a small oval portrait, at top a device in a cartouche and an array of books whose spines are lettered "Newton," "Virgil," "Locke," etc.; blanks accomplished in a calligraphic hand. The President and faculty of Yale grant a baccaleaureate degree to Benjamin Stiles -- Another, similar, signed by President Ezra Stiles (1727-1795) and six professors, 8 September 1780. 1 page, 4to, intact papered seal at top corner in dark blue, minor staining. Identical engraved design as the previous. Granting Benjamin Stiles a Master's degree.
Two rare engraved Yale diplomas from the crisis years of the American Revolution when enrollement was severely reduced and the war threatened the school's operations. President Daggett, a clergyman, was so committed to the cause of independence that in 1779 he joined the militia to repel the British attack on New Haven, and was wounded and captured. His British captors are said to have asked him whether, if released, he would again take up arms against the King, to which he replied "I rather think I shall if I get an opportunity." Daggett was succeeded as President by Ezra Stiles, very likely a relation of Benjamin Stiles.
Details
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION -- YALE COLLEGE]. Engraved document accomplished and signed by President Naphtali Daggett (1727-1780), and six professors including Moses Dickinson (1695-1778), Warham Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Eliphat Williams, [New Haven, Conn.], 24 July 1776. 1 page, 4to, minor staining, upper left-hand corner torn and repaired affecting part of border, small mends to holes at fold intersections, half the original red wax seal present. A fine specimen of American copperplate engraving, signed "A. Buell, sculp.," with a delicate engraved border of scrolling foliage, at the bottom a small oval portrait, at top a device in a cartouche and an array of books whose spines are lettered "Newton," "Virgil," "Locke," etc.; blanks accomplished in a calligraphic hand. The President and faculty of Yale grant a baccaleaureate degree to Benjamin Stiles -- Another, similar, signed by President Ezra Stiles (1727-1795) and six professors, 8 September 1780. 1 page, 4to, intact papered seal at top corner in dark blue, minor staining. Identical engraved design as the previous. Granting Benjamin Stiles a Master's degree.
Two rare engraved Yale diplomas from the crisis years of the American Revolution when enrollement was severely reduced and the war threatened the school's operations. President Daggett, a clergyman, was so committed to the cause of independence that in 1779 he joined the militia to repel the British attack on New Haven, and was wounded and captured. His British captors are said to have asked him whether, if released, he would again take up arms against the King, to which he replied "I rather think I shall if I get an opportunity." Daggett was succeeded as President by Ezra Stiles, very likely a relation of Benjamin Stiles.
Two rare engraved Yale diplomas from the crisis years of the American Revolution when enrollement was severely reduced and the war threatened the school's operations. President Daggett, a clergyman, was so committed to the cause of independence that in 1779 he joined the militia to repel the British attack on New Haven, and was wounded and captured. His British captors are said to have asked him whether, if released, he would again take up arms against the King, to which he replied "I rather think I shall if I get an opportunity." Daggett was succeeded as President by Ezra Stiles, very likely a relation of Benjamin Stiles.