Partially Printed 18th Century New York City Liquor License

Two partially printed documents, completed by hand, matted and framed, engraved portrait of Mayor James Duane. Overall 22 3/4 x12 1/2. Not archivally matted, second document worn along one edge with the loss of a few letters at the end line of text; normal aging, else very good. Documents issuing a license to "keep an Inn or Tavern, to retail strong Liquors." The first document (5 1/2 x7) issued and signed by Abraham P. Lott. Commissioner of Excise, dated February 1, 1784. The second document (5 x 6 1/2) is signed by Mayor James Duane (1733-1797), and is dated March 6, 1794. During the colonial period Duane became a prominent lawyer, and was a political moderate. While he opposed the Crown's taxation policies, he was opposed to violence. Duane would become a member of the Continental Congres, Indian commission, state senator, federal judge, and would be appointed mayor of New York City, which was a post he held for six years. The present liquor license was granted to Alexander Frazier to operate a tavern at No. 17 Morris Street. American National Biography.