APPLICATION FOR PRE-EMPTION AND PROOF OF CLAIM.| TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY LANDS: I HEREBY APPLY FOR THE PRE-EMPTION RIGHT TO PURCHASE... JOHN LILLY, THE ABOVE NAMED APPLICANT, BEING FIRST DULY SWORN, SAYS THAT AT THE DATE OF THE ABOVE APPLICATION HE HAD MADE AN ACTUAL SETTLEMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS UPON THE PREMISES THEREIN DESCRIBED...AND FURTHER SAYS THAT HE APPLIES TO PURCHASE SAID PREMISES FOR HIS OWN USE, AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACTUAL OCCUPANCY OR CULTIVATION..

[St. Croix, 1855. Broadsheet, 8.5" x 14". Printed in black ink using several typesettings, completed in manuscript in blue ink. Two red wax seals. Printed on verso with spaces for docketing claim information, completed in manuscript. Four old horizontal folds [short closed tears at ends, no loss]. Very Good.

The Application is signed by John Lilly as the applicant. He swears that he will make actual settlement upon the land. John McLoughlin and Alexander Campbell sign as witnesses; A.D. Gray, the first mayor of Hudson Wisconsin, is the Notary Public. (Inventory #: 27379)