| Signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence |
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Lot 201 |
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Adams, Samuel (1722-1803), Massachusetts signer of the Declaration of Independence, politician, Governor of Massachusetts (1792-1797), principal organizer of Boston Tea Party. Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 9, Boston, December 17, 1785. To "Hond Mr Gerry", friend and fellow signer Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814) re Gerry’s upcoming marriage [Gerry was married on January 12, 1786], in full:
"My dear Sir Doctor Holten told me a fortnight ago that he supposed you was then on the road homeward. How difficult it is for us to enter into the fav'rite Designs of each other. The Doctor little thought you fast bound by the Silken Cord. I am glad you have at length open'd your Eyes and are hastening to that State which is design'd to promote the greatest Happiness in Life. If you can possibly find Leisure at this engaging Period, will you be so kind as to advise my Friend Captn Landais who is going to New York to Sollicit after further allowance on his account. I inform'd you of the Particulars in a Letter some Time ago. If you will permit him, he will refresh your memory. I will not trespass on your Time at present any further than to express the Sincerest Wish for your Happiness. you Friend Saml Adams"
Excellent condition with small sealed split of fold in blank left margin; accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
The "friend Captn Landais" to whom Adams refers, is Captain Pierre Landais (1731-1820), a Frenchman who was awarded a commission in the Continental Navy and given command of the 32-gun frigate Alliance attached to the fleet of John Paul Jones. In a great sea battle off Flamborough Head on the north coast of England, in which Jones was to utter the immortal "I have not yet begun to fight," Landais, apparently driven by jealousy or pride, did not hold up his end of the battle. The few shots fired by the Alliance, in fact, were broadsides on Jones’ already stricken Bon Homme Richard. Jones accused Landais of gross insubordination and of intentionally firing on his ship. The matter was referred to the Continental Congress and ultimately Landais was court-martialed, stripped of his rank and drummed out of the Navy. He settled in New York where he regularly submitted claims for money supposedly owed him by the federal government, a fact also referred to by Adams in this letter.
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Lot 202 |
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Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795), New Hampshire signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, physician, politician. Autograph Letter Signed as Governor of New Hampshire, one page, 7 x 9, Kingstown, February 17, 1792. To Col. William Williams [himself a Signer from Connecticut] concerning Williams’ longstanding dispute with one John Wendell, in part: "…2 months ago…he promised me he would pay you in a short time but as I have not heard from him or you since and knowing the man I much doubt whether he has performed his promise… ". Boldly penned and signed with integral address leaf in Bartlett’s hand, postmarked straightline "Portsmouth, February 24" and docketed by Williams "recd abt 26 Feb. 92, a Gov Bartlet [sic]" Very Fine condition though partly split between two leaves and wax seal damage on address leaf.
Estimate 500 - 750
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Lot 203 |
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Braxton, Carter (1736-1797), Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence, farmer, politician. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 6 x 7½ Richmond, Va., September 2, 1796, with integral address leaf [hand carried]. To his son Corbin making reference to the debt of a certain Capt. Lipscomb, a debt for which his son is a trustee. Fine condition.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
Numerous debts and lawsuits plagued Braxton during the later years of his life after the failure of several speculative commercial investments. These failures often adversely affected the financial circumstances of his friends and family members.
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Lot 204 |
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Chase, Samuel (1741-1811), Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence, Supreme Court Justice. Impeached in 1804 for personal attacks on Thomas Jefferson (the only Supreme Court Justice ever impeached). Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 8 x 9½ Annapolis, November 14, 1796. To William Smallwood, President of the Maryland State Senate, in full:
"Sir: I beg the favour of you to inform the honourable the [sic] Senate, that since being elected a Senator of the State, I have accepted the appointment of Chief Judge of the General Court; and that having determined to continue in the Commission, at least during the present Session of the General Assembly, I therefore resign my Seat in the Senate, in order that the Representation of the People in that Branch of the Legislature may be full and complete. I have the Honour to be, with Great Respect & Esteem, Your Most Obedient Servant, Sam Chase"
Integral address leaf in Chase’s hand with Smallwood’s docketing: "Resignation of Sam Chase Esq.r". Fine condition with light toning and small erosion hole affecting two words of text, accompanied by an engraved portrait which has light foxing in the margins.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 205 |
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Clymer, George (1739-1813), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, merchant. Autograph Letter Signed, half page, 6¾ x 7¾ no place, January 25, 1803. To George Simpson Esquire, Cashier Bank U States", in full: "The enclosed note from Mr. Meredith came to my hand this morning with a request to inform you that owing to his own violent illness, for the week or two past, and to the sickness of most of his family, he had entirely forgot the note that became due at the bank on the 21st. Your obt. st. Geo Clymer". Fine condition with integral address leaf in Clymer’s hand [hand-carried].
Estimate 500 - 750
The "Mr. Meredith" referred to in the letter is probably Reese Meredith, Clymer’s father-in-law.
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Lot 206 |
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Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, inventor, philosopher, physicist, printer, diplomat. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 8 x 9¾ Philadelphia, April 27, 1789. To his sister Jane, "Mrs. Mecom", in Boston, in full:
"Dear Sister, I have receiv’d your kind letter of the 2.d Instant. I wish you would also acknowledge, when you write, the receipt of those that have come to your hands since you wrote last. By that means I should have the satisfaction of knowing that they have not miscarried. You mention nothing of a letter from me dated Feb. 22. which went by the Post. As you had inform’d me the Books did not sell and I feared the long and severe Winter straitned [sic] you towards the end, I desired you to draw on me for Forty Dollars. No such bill having appeared, I apprehend you may not have receiv’d the letter. I send enclosed the Copy of it taken in the Press, and desire you still to draw if you have occasion. I wrote about the same time to our friend Mrs Greene [Catharine Greene, widow of Nathaniel Greene] a long letter, I wish she may have receiv’d it. I never see your Newspapers, so know not what you mean by Laco whom you mention. My love to your daughter & to my great grand Niece. What age is she? I am ever your affectionate Brother B. Franklin"
With integral address leaf in Franklin’s hand postmarked "N. York Apr. 29" straightline and manuscript "2/6" rate. Some reinforcing of small tears along right edge and some staining that is most noticeable on the address leaf, where there is also a small piece of blank margin torn out by the wax seal. Very Good condition overall.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND DESIRABLE FRANKLIN HOLOGRAPHIC LETTER.
Expertization: Charles Hamilton Certificate of Authenticity.
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Lot 207 |
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[Gwinnett, Button] McIntosh, Lachlan (1725-1806), Surveyor, soldier from Georgia, protégé of Oglethorpe, Brigadier General with Washington at Valley Forge, killed Button Gwinnett in a duel. Document Signed, one page, 8 x 4¾ no place, March 7, 1784. Certification "…that Serg.t Dampier of the 4th Georgia Batn has served out the term of his enlistment, three years, and is therefore entitled to his bounty of land." Signed first by Dampier’s Lt. Colonel, then "Lach.n McIntosh Major Gen.l" Inlaid to an overall 9 x 6½ Fine condition.
Estimate 500 - 750
Over a period of years McIntosh had become embroiled in several differences of opinion with Button Gwinnett, the latter being jealous of McIntosh's popularity and success. In 1777, in a dispute over command of Georgia's forces, Gwinnett, who thought command should be his, challenged McIntosh to a duel. Both men were wounded, Gwinnett mortally.
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Lot 208 |
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Hancock, John (1737-1793), Massachusetts signer of the Declaration of Independence, merchant, politician, President of the Continental Congress (1775-1777), Governor of Massachusetts. Revolutionary War-date Partly-printed Document Signed, one page, 15¼ x 9¾ [Philadelphia], January 1, 1776. Military Commission for one "Samuel Loring, Gent."n as "Second Lieutenant of Captain Bradford’s Company in the 23 Regiment of foot commanded by Colonel John Bailey", boldly signed by Hancock as President of Congress and by "Cha Thomson Secy" as witness. Very Good condition being somewhat browned with some repaired splits along folds, one of which passes vertically through Hancock’s signature, and a tiny bit of ink erosion in the "H" of same.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
Charles Thomson was elected secretary of the first Continental Congress on September 5, 1774 and remained Secretary at every Congress thereafter until 1788. It was Thomson who was given the honor of traveling to Mount Vernon in 1789 to inform General Washington of his election as the new U.S. President.
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Lot 209 |
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Hancock, John (1737-1793), Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¾ x 8¾ [Philadelphia] "3 oClock PM, Congress Cham.r [chamber], 20 Augst. 1776". Written as President of the Continental Congress to George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, docketed at the upper left in another hand "To Genl. Washington". In full:
"Sir
Your letter by Express with its several inclosures I yesterday rec'd, & yours by the Post this moment came to hand; I have laid the whole before Congress, & am directed to keep the Express; I shall therefore only by the Return of the Post inclose you two commisss. which please to order to be Deliver’d; Referring all other matters to be sent by the Express
I have the hon to be
Your most Obed. Ser.
John Hancock Prest."
Slight toning at top and bottom where tears have been repaired, including a small one through "ancoc" of Hancock’s signature, still an attractive and important Revolutionary War document. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 6,000 - 8,000
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Lot 210 |
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Harrison, Benjamin (1726-1791), Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence, farmer, politician. Father of William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. President. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, 6 x 8, Berkley [Va.], April 22, 1779. To the Commercial Committee regarding Virginia tobacco stored for shipment, in part:
"…I have received your Letter of 25th March, & refer you to my Letters, to your Chairman of 25th Jany & 15th March for the invoices of tobacco inclosed in them. They gave you an Acct of 409 Hhds [hogsheads] & the state that they were in, the former mentioned 233 Hhds at Suffolk & South Quay, that they were going fast to decay. I have since heard from Suffolk, & I shall not wonder at it, if in two or three months more, every pound of that tobacco should be lost …"
Very Good condition with normal toning and edge flaws plus some irregular fading of text including the "Benj." of the signature. Docketed twice on verso, once in Harrison’s own hand. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait [incorrectly] of President Benjamin Harrison.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
Harrison played an important role in the establishment of the Departments of State, the Army and the Navy. He also served on several commitees including one to oversee the financial well-being of the state of Virginia, whose prosperity was based almost entirely on Tobacco.
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Lot 211 |
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Harrison, Benjamin (1726-1791), Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 9, Richmond, October 26, 1782. To an unidentified individual, in full:
"Sir. A letter form sundry respectable Inhabitants of the County of Berkley recommending Cap.t Cherry as recruiting officer for that county I received and have laid it before council.
They have concurred with me that it is proper to confer the appointment on Cap.t Cherry which I take the opportunity of announcing to you.
You will therefore pay to Cap.t Cherry the money raised under the last Act of the Assembly for recruiting soldiers to be applyed [sic] as the law directs — I am your most Hble Servt, Benj Harrison"
Fine condition with a couple of small internal splits.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 212 |
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Hewes, Joseph (1730-1779), North Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, merchant, politician. Partly-printed Document Signed, one page, 7½ x 6, Edenton, N.C., April 10, 1768. Surety Bond signed twice by Hewes, along with John Hatter and James Hurst, apparently two defendants entering a plea of trespass.
Fine condition with slight internal flaws. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 4,000 - 6,000
HEWES IS ONE OF THE FIVE RAREST OF THE SIGNERS TO OBTAIN.
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Lot 213 |
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Hooper, William (1742-1790), North Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, lawyer, politician. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 9, Newbern [N.C.], November 27, 1777. To Joseph Hewes, himself a signer of the Declaration of Independence, in full:
"Dear Hewes, Yesterday morning I gave Cummings a long letter for you with the expectation & indeed upon his assurance to leave this immediately. He has my letter & I dread asking for it lest I should give his little Majesty offense. Part of the letter however requires an immediate answer therefore I catch a moment to repeat a request which I then made to you that you would make enquiry with a delicacy that you can easily exercise whether S. Johnston would act as a Judge for 1500 p. Ann & Iredell for 800. You know how much my feelings interest me in the Appointment of such Characters & therefore you will write me upon the subject as soon as maybe. Yours with respect Wm Hooper"
With an integral address leaf in Hooper’s hand "Joseph Hewes esquire, Edenton". Very Fine condition with small piece out of left edge from wax seal, docketed "Hooper" by Hewes. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 4,000 - 6,000
HOOPER’S HOLOGRAPH LETTERS ARE AMONG THE RAREST OF THE SIGNERS; THE ADDITIONAL DOCKETING BY HEWES, ANOTHER RARE SIGNER, FURTHER ENHANCES THIS LETTER’S DESIRABILITY.
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Lot 214 |
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Hopkinson, Francis (1737-1791), New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, satirist. Principal designer of the American Flag. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-hlaf pages, 7½ x 9¼ Borden Town [N.J.], November 14, 1777. To "His Excelly Genl. Washington". Hopkinson intercedes in defense of his brother-in-law, the Rev. Jacob Duché who only a month previously, in an letter to George Washington, had called for "…rescinding the hasty and ill-advised Declaration of Independence…", in full:
"Sir The Intimacy of my Connection with M.r Duché renders all assurances unnecessary that the Letter addressed by him to your Excellency on the 8th of Oct.r last, gave me the greatest Concern. I flatter myself some undue Means have been used to induce him to write such a Letter —so imcompatable with the amiable Character he has ever maintained, & so fatal to his Reputation. I could not forbear communicating to him some of my Sentiments on the Occasion. These I might probably have been able to convey to him by secret means; but did not choose to risque the Imputation of a clandestine Correspondence. I have therefore taken the Liberty to send the enclosed Letter to your Excellency, unsealed for your Perusal: Resting it entirely on your better Judgment to cause it to be forwarded or not. I hope your Excellency will pardon my giving you this Trouble. The Occasion is a very interesting one to me. My Friendship for M.r Duché calls upon me to do all I can to warn him against the fatal Consequences of his ill advised Step — that he may, if possible, do something to avert them before it is too late. I am, Sir, with the warmest wishes of my Heart for your Wellfare [sic]. Your sincere Friend & very hble Serv.t Fra.s Hopkinson "
Fine condition with integral blank leaf (unattached) docketed "Bordenton, 14th Nov. 77 from Francis Hopkinson, Esq., And. 21st" and "Duché’s Letter". In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
AN IMPORTANT HISTORICAL LETTER REGARDING A WELL-DOCUMENTED EVENT FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF OUR NATION.
At the beginning of the American Revolution, Rev. Duché was an avid supporter of Independence. However, after being arrested and imprisoned by General Howe in Philadelphia, Duché had a dramatic change of heart and wrote his infamous letter to Washington. Washington forwarded Duché’s letter to Congress, accompanied by his own letter in which he stated that "…I should have returned it unopened, if I had had any idea of the contents…" and expressing the opinion, shared by Hopkinson in the above letter to Washington, that "…I cannot but suspect that this Measure did not originate with him…", alluding to Duché’s possibly being under some sort of duress. Duché’s letter eventually became public and he was branded a traitor and forced into exile in England.
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Lot 215 |
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Hopkinson, Francis (1737-1791), Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7½ x 12, Philadelphia, September 3, 1780. addressed on integral address leaf in Hopkinson’s hand to "Nathaniel Appleton Esqr, Commissioner of Loans at Boston", responding to Appleton’s letter mentioning "Bills on France" he inquires whether he meant "…Bills for 100, 200, 300 Doll. or like those on Spain last sent…" or "…Interest Bills on France…as I think you may want a further supply of those [B]ills, I shall request an order from the [B]oard in your Favour; but I am not sure they will grant it; [tongue-in-cheek] be the occasion ever so urgent — they being exceptionally punctilious & having ordered that Requisitions form the Commission of Loans should not pass thro’ my Hands but immediately from themselves. Your returns appear to me plain & satisfactory, but I doubt whether they will please the Board, not being framed on the very learned model they have devised, of which, no doubt, a Copy has been forwarded to you with peremptory instructions according to the Stile [sic] of the Board. I am Sir your very humble servt Fra.s Hopkinson". Fine condition with small hole at left caused by wax seal [still present] on address leaf, affecting two word of text.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
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Lot 216 |
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Huntington, Samuel (1731-1796), Connecticut signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, President of Continental Congress (1779-1781), first U.S. Governor of Connecticut. Printed Document Signed, one page, 8½ x 13, no place, no date. "In Congress Wednesday. April 3, 1776. Instructions to the Commanders of Private Ships or Vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, authorising them to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes." with eleven separate paragraphs detailing procedures to be followed. Signed boldly at the bottom "Sam Huntington" next to the printed word "President". Fine condition.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
AN IMPORTANT CONGRESSIONAL ACT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE WAR.
Huntington was the President of the Continental Congress when the Articles of Confederation were ratified, March 1, 1781, and served with the title of "President of the United States in Congress Assembled". As a result, he is sometimes referred to as the first President of the United States.
There is no way to know exactly when Huntington signed this copy. He may have done so at the time the law was passed, or when he was elected to the Presidency of Congress, September 28, 1779 (as the law was still in effect), or at any time between.
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Lot 217 |
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Huntington, Samuel (1731-1796), Autograph Letter Signed, two pages [one sheet, both sides], 7½ x 9, Princeton, October 8, 1783. To "Col. Ebenr. Huntington", in part: "Congress have determined not to refer the matter of Commutation to the several states to settle with their officers in the line of the Army. I believe the state[s] have nothing to do in settling the accounts you refer too [sic] but rather suppose that all persons who acted under the late Josh Trumbull Esq in his department as Commissary General must have their accounts settled in (a) continental way; whether any persons are appointed to settle his account…I am not able to inform…" Very Fine condition with a light thinning near bottom affecting text slightly, accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 500 - 750
Ebenezer Huntington (1754-1834), no relation to Samuel, would eventually rise to the rank of Brigadier General. He later became a U.S. Representative from Connecticut.
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Lot 218 |
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Lee, Richard Henry (1732-1794), Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence, farmer, politician, President of Continental Congress (1784-1785), U.S. Senator. Introduced resolution calling for independence of American Colonies. Brother of signer Francis Lightfoot Lee. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 7½ x 9½ no place, August 16, 1784, Lee gifts a young male slave to his son, Ludwell Lee, in full:
"Be it known to all whom it may concern that I Richard Henry Lee of Westmoreland County in the State of Virginia in consideration of the paternal love and affection that I bear to my son Ludwell Lee have given and by these presents do absolutely give to my said son Ludwell Lee and to his heirs and assigns forever a Negro boy slave named Scipio at this time about sixteen years of age. In testimony whereof I have hereunto put my hand and affixed my seal this 16th day of August 1784. Richard Henry Lee. Witness Mary Lee, Hannah Lee, Anne Lee."
The document is also witnessed and signed by two daughters, Mary and Hannah, and by his second wife Anne. Fine condition with tiny hole at junction of somewhat weak folds. Also included is a 1799 Autograph Letter Signed from William Ludwell Lee (1775-1803) to Charles Lee (1758-1815), brother of Light Horse Harry Lee and Washington’s Attorney General with contents of a financial nature, Fine. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
It was Lee who introduced to the Continental Congress the bill that led directly to the Declaration of Independence.
Ironically, with respect to the document being offered here, in 1759, as a new member of Virginia’s House of Burgesses, Lee’s first bill proposed "to lay so heavy a duty on the importation of slaves as to put an end to that iniquitous and disgraceful traffic within the colony of Virginia…" and that Africans were "…equally entitled to liberty and freedom by the great law of nature." His words are considered the strongest anti-slavery statements made before the middle of the nineteenth century.
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Lot 219 |
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Lynch, Thomas, Jr. (1749-1779), South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, farmer, politician. Signature "Lynch" on a 1 x 1¼ fragment with other text in Lynch’s hand, Very Fine condition mounted in a custom leather portfolio with an engraved portrait and an etching of the John Trumbull’s famous painting "Signing the Declaration of Independence".
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
AFTER BUTTON GWINNETT, LYNCH IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED THE NEXT RAREST OF THE SIGNERS. HIS AUTOGRAPH IS VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN IN ANY FORM OTHER THAN A CLIPPED SIGNATURE.
Expertization: Charles Hamilton Certificate of Authenticity.
Lynch contracted a fever in 1775 while serving in the Continental Army and never fully recovered. In 1779 he sailed to France in hopes of regaining his failing health but was lost sea.
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Lot 220 |
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Middleton, Arthur (1742-1787), South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, soldier, planter, politician, member of the Continental Congress (1776-1778, 1781-1783). Two Revolutionary War-dated Autograph Documents [unsigned], penned as a member of Congress on front and back of one sheet, 8 x 13½ [Philadelphia], no date [ca. 1782].
First is a balance sheet headed "State of Finance" with a beginning balance of £16,000 comprising a "Subsidy fr. Fr [ance] ~ US" for £6,000 and "Dutch Loan Adv.d fr. Treasury Fr" for £10,000. There follows an itemization of various debits mentioning £800 paid to Benjamin Franklin, £2797.392 "reserved for furnishg articles equivalent to those on b.d the Ship Marquis Fayette taken [the French ship, Marquis de la Fayette was captured by the British, its contents sold at a prize auction in 1781] and £1200 to Anne-César, "Chev. de la Luzerne", French Minister to the U.S.
Second is list of battle sites and commanding officers (both U.S. and British) in and around South Carolina from late summer of 1780 until December of 1782, mentioning, among others, Thomas Sumpter, Nathaniel Greene ["Green"], and John Cornwallis.
Fine condition, enclosed in a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
In 1780, while serving in the militia defending the city of Charleston, Middleton was taken prisoner by the British and sent to St. Augustine for nearly a year. He was finally released in a prisoner exchange in July of 1781 and returned to the Continental Congress.
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Lot 221 |
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Morton, John (1724-1777), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, surveyor, judge, politician, first signer to die. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 6 x 7½ no place, March 8, 1770. A handdrawn survey of a lot depicted by a square with longitude and latitude penned on each side along with names of adjoining property owners; in the center of the square Morton has written, in full:
"A Draft of a Lott or piece of Land in Callcoonhook assigned to Andrew Urian as his share of Margaret his mother-in-law’s Dower & of his share of Abrahams Lott containing 19 Acres & 60 perc." Below the survey Morton has penned, "Surveyed and divided off to Andrew Urian 8th March 1770. Pr John Morton"
Fine condition with some splitting of weak folds; a rare form of Morton holograph.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
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Lot 222 |
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Paine, Robert Treat (1731-1814), Massachusetts signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician. Revolutionary War-date Manuscript Document Signed, one page, 6¼ x 8, Taunton, Mass., March 9, 1779. A indictment in the Bristol County Court of General Sessions against one Abigail Williams, a single woman, who "…did commit fornication with a man to the jurors unknown, in evil example to others…" Paine has signed as witness "R T Paine Atty pr. Stat"; Fine condition.
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 223 |
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Read, George (1733-1798), Delaware signer of the Declaration of Independence, also signer of the "Olive Branch Petition" to King George III and of the U.S. Constitution (one of only two men to sign all three, the other being Roger Sherman of Delaware), judge, U.S. Senator, Chief Justice Delaware Supreme Court. A.D.S., 8¼ x 2½ no place, March 10, 1781. "To Gen. J. Bedford Esqe. Proty", in full: "Issue capias [a writ similar to an arrest warrant] to take Hance Harmon late of New Castle County Yeoman to answer Alexander Montgomery Esqe. of a Plea of Trespass on the case v — Dams £15’000. Geo: Read". Fine condition with a few internal flaws; accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 224 |
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Rush, Benjamin (1746-1813), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, physician, politician, abolitionist, Treasurer of U.S. Mint, son, Richard, became Attorney General under Madison and Secretary of the Treasury under Monroe. Autograph Letter Signed, 1½ pages [one sheet, two sides], 7¼ x 8¾ no place, no date, "Thursday evening". To an unidentified person, in full:
"My dear Friend Just after you left me a gentleman called for me in his Chair to visit a patient in a fitt [sic]. I thought on my good friend Mrs Archer (who would not have scolded me as you have done) on my way, & expected to have returned before you called. But was unfortunately disappointed. Please to put the ingredients into a half a pint of boiling water, & give a teaspoonful of it every hour until it produces the intended effect. A teaspoonful of the bark must be given every hour in the absence of the fever. My best compts. await my amiable patient. She I know will not only forgive, but pity your hurried and fatigued friend. &c Hble Servant B Rush"
Fine condition, accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS OF THIS EARLY DATE ARE QUITE RARE, ESPECIALLY SO FROM SUCH A NOTED PHYSICIAN.
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Lot 225 |
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Rush, Benjamin (1746-1813), Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 6½ x 8, Philadelphia, May 22, 1787. To one George Wood, Esqr. "or in his absense David Espy Esqr.", in full:
"…I enclose you herein a receipt for my taxes in Bedford County from Mr. Rittenhouse, & beg you would immediately give it to the person appointed to receive it. Accept of my thanks for your great & successful attention to my interest in your county, & be assured of the great regard with which I am Dr Sir yours Sincerely, Benj Rush"
Fresh Fine condition with integral address leaf in his hand [no postal markings], docketed "Doctr. Rush".
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 226 |
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Rutledge, Edward (1749-1800), South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, lawyer, politician, Governor of South Carolina. Autograph Letter Signed, one page with integral address leaf [hand delivered], no place, March 24, 1795. Business letter to Thomas Eveleigh, signed "Ed: Rutledge". Fine condition.
Estimate 600 - 800
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Lot 227 |
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Sherman, Roger (1721-1793), Connecticut signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, U.S. Congressman and Senator. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 7½ x 3¾ New Haven, Ct., January 19, 1787. As Mayor of New Haven, to "John Lawrence Esqr, Treasurer." In full "Please pay to Mr. Joseph Peck Twenty Eight Shillings lawful money on account of what is due me on debentures of the Supr. Court. Roger Sherman". Fine condition, accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 300 - 400
Sherman was the only man to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution and the "Olive Branch Petition" to King George III, which the King not only did not respond to, but completely ignored, leading directly to the American Colonies declaring their independence. Sherman was a member of the committee appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence, along with Adams, Franklin, Jefferson and Philip Livingston.
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Lot 228 |
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Smith, James (1719?-1806), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, lawyer, politician. Autograph Document Signed, half page, 6½ x 8, York, Pa., September 5, 1794. To Edward Burd, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court at Philadelphia, directing him to issue a commission to one Philip Marsteller of Alexandria to take depositions for a York legal action; minor restoration, Fine.
Estimate 400 - 600
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Lot 229 |
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Thornton, Matthew (1714-1803), New Hampshire signer of the Declaration of Independence, physician, politician. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 7 x 4, "Province of New Hampshire", March 14, 1754. Arrest warrant to the Sheriff of Londonderry for one James Tool "…if he may be found in your precinct…to answer for the above Complaint…", signed "Mathew Thornton" [using one "t"] as Justice of the Peace. Cut from the aforementioned complaint but complete unto itself, inlaid to an overall 7½ x 4¼ Fine.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 230 |
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Walton, George (1741-1804), Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 7¼ x 9, Burke County, Ga., February 28, 1794. "Extract from the presentments of the Grand-Jury…in February Term, 1794" including "…We present as a grievance of an alarming nature, that Enlistments are going on in our State, and we not knowing for what purpose…", signed "Geo Walton", inlaid to 7½ x 9½ overall browning and separated along horizontal folds, Fine appearance and accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 231 |
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Wilson, James (1742-1798), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, Supreme Court Justice under Washington. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, 8 x 13¼ Carlisle [Pa.], January 14, 1777. To fellow Pennsylvania Signer "The Hon.ble Rob.t Morris Esquire", then a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Wilson details a plan to form a new Government Department and then proposes himself as its first head, in part:
"Congress see, at last, the Propriety of distributing the Executive business of the Continent into different Departments, managed by Gentlemen, not Members of Congress, and whose whole Time and Attention can be devoted to the Business committed to their Charge…the Laws and Practice of the Courts of Admiralty should be brought…into a System…States, as far as I know, have an Office similar to that which I have described. It includes Part of the Office of Advocate General, and Part of that of Attorney General in England…If your Sentiments upon this Subject correspond with mine, you will mention it to Congress. If they agree to institute the Office, and no one offers for it better qualified, in your Opinion, than myself; I will be obliged to you for proposing me…"
Fine condition, accompanied by the unattached address leaf in Wilson’s hand docketed by Morris "Carlisle 14 Jany 1777, James Wilson". In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
Though Wilson was not successful in his attempt to convince Congress to create this Department, he soon thereafter, in June of 1779, was appointed Advocate General for maritime and commercial causes for the French government in the United States.
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Lot 232 |
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Wolcott, Oliver (1726-1797), Connecticut signer of the Declaration of Independence, general, judge, politician, Governor of Connecticut. Son, Oliver Jr., became Secretary of the Treasury and also Governor of Connecticut. Autograph Document Signed as Lt. Governor, one page, 7½ x 6½ New Haven, Ct., October 28, 1789. To Peter Colt, Connecticut State Treasurer, in full: "Please to pay the Honble. Roger Sherman Esqr Thirty Five pounds lawful money [tow] ards my salary as L:Govr. and C[redit] the same to my account. Oliver Wolcott"
On verso Sherman has placed his holograph endorsement: "Received of Mr. Peter Colt Treasurer the contents of the written order. Roger Sherman"
Customary "cancellation" hole in center affects text enclosed in brackets above but touches no part of Sherman’s endorsement, fresh and Very Fine.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
A MARVELOUS DOCUMENT SIGNED BY TWO IMPORTANT FOUNDING FATHERS.
Sherman was the only man to sign the "Olive Branch Petition", the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution, the four most important documents in the birth of our nation.
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Lot 233 |
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Wythe, George (1726-1806), Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician. Autograph Endorsement Signed consisting of three lines plus his signature at the end of a four-page legal document, 7½ x 12¼ The document, addressed "To the honourable George Wythe Chancelor [sic] of Virginia" concerns a land dispute in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Wythe has appended his ruling at the bottom of the last page, "The injunction is awarded on releasing errors, and giving security in the penalty of two hundred dollars, 10 novembr’, 1800. G Wythe", in an neatly formed upright calligraphic style, rather than his "normal" cursive handwriting. Fine condition in a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
"Chancellor of Virginia" was Wythe’s title as one of the three judges of the Virginia High Court of Chancery.
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