ROYAL GOVERNOR WILLIAM GREENE Sr. (1695-1758 ). Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; Clerk of court in Providence; Speaker of the Rhode Island Assembly; then Deputy Governor from 1740 to 1743; Governor for the first time in 1743, serving four separate terms for a total of 11 years, and died while in office during his final term in 1758.
May 20th, 1746-Dated "King George's War" Colonial Era, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “William Greene” as Governor and Captain General over the Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, in New-England, a rare Colonial Military Commission, made to Jonathan Knight as Ensign, Fine. This commission is printed in black text with a large Rhode Island Anchor with “HOPE” vignette at top. Fully completed in brown ink and boldly Signed, “W Greene” at bottom right, his signature measuring 2.5” long with flourish below. Folds, very even light tone to the laid period paper, scattered heavy tone spots mostly at lower center where the blank reverse side was folded, one small central fold hole and worm hole, the entire paper and wax official Seal is completely intact at upper left.

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II
In 1746, the War taking place in the American colonies was called "King George's War"; it was part of a larger European conflict and primarily involved fighting between British colonists and the French, often with Native American allies on both sides. The northeastern region of North America, particularly around the area of Nova Scotia and the fortress of Louisbourg. A stalemate period where both sides engaged in raids and skirmishes, with the French attempting to recapture Louisbourg. This War preceded the subsequent “French and Indian War” (1754-1763) was a theater of the “Seven Years' War,” which pitted the North American colonies of the British Empire against those of the French, each side being supported by various Native American tribes.