Dated May 6, 1817, this handwritten letter from Dr. Elisha Belcher is addressed to Judge Joseph Wood in Stamford, Connecticut. In it, Dr. Belcher attests that he wrote and witnessed the Last Will and Testament of the late David Purdy of Greenwich, confirming Purdy was of "perfectly sound and sane mind and memory, fully competent to make such disposals of his property."
Historical SignificanceDr. Elisha Belcher (1757–1825): A prominent Revolutionary War surgeon who served in the Continental Army (including duty at West Point) before becoming a leading physician in Greenwich, Connecticut for over four decades.
Joseph Wood, Esq. (1760–1836): A prominent Stamford attorney who served as the Judge of Probate for the Stamford District (which covered Greenwich and surrounding towns).
David Purdy: Member of the notable Purdy family line of Fairfield County, Connecticut and neighboring Westchester County, New York.
