Desk and Bookcase 

Desk and Bookcase
Boston, 1765-75
Mahogany, spruce, glass, brass
Gift of Mrs. Charles F. Batchelder, Jr. 

This desk and bookcase belonged to William Foster (1745-1821), a prominent Boston merchant who fled the city with his family during the British occupation. Forced to leave his possessions behind, Foster signed his name on the backs of the drawers for this case. Foster returned home in 1776 to find his desk had been confiscated by British officers and used at their headquarters during the war. Foster used the chalk inscriptions to prove his ownership. 

This story was told repeatedly by Foster’s descendants. Susan Foster Batchelder (1824-1900) shared its history on a note stuck to one of the pilaster draws. The story accompanied “the old mahogany secretary,” as described in her will, as it passed to the next generation.