Sale 317

U.S. Stamps & Postal History and Important Historical Documents


Autographs and Historical Documents
 
 
Lot Photo Description
Lot 1001
Adams, Samuel (1722-1803), Delegate to Continental Congress from Massachusetts (1774-1781), signer of the Declaration of Independence, principal organizer of Boston Tea Party, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (1789-1794), Governor of Massachusetts (1793-1797). Autograph Letter Signed "Sam Adams", 1¼ pages (with two blank integral leaves, one with address panel), 7¼ x 12, inlaid to 8 x 13¼ Boston, November 8, 1784. To John Avery, Jr. declining a seat in the Continental Congress as a delegate from Massachusetts following his election, citing poor health as a reason.

"… It gives me Pain to decline any Trust which our Republic calls upon me to execute, but a regard to its most important Interest lays me under the necessity of doing it."

Second page signed "S Adams President" in his official capacity as President of the Massachusetts State Senate, and "Sam Otis Spkr." (later a member of the Continental Congress from 1787-1789) as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Usual folds. Fine.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

Originally an opponent of the Constitution, which was to replace the Articles of Confederation of which he had been a strong advocate on the grounds of protecting state sovereignty, Adams was later unsuccessful in his bid for election to the first U.S. Congress in 1781, losing to the Federalist Fisher Ames.

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Lot 1002
Chase, Samuel (1741-1811), Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence, Associate Supreme Court Justice. Impeached in 1804 for personal attacks on Thomas Jefferson (only Supreme Court Justice ever impeached). Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7½ x 9½ Baltimore, August 19, 1806. Personal letter about family and friends to his daughter Ann in Ball-Town Springs [now Ballston Spa, N.Y.], signed "Your affectionate Father, Samuel Chase", with integral address leaf in his own hand postmarked red Baltimore c.d.s. and manuscript "20". The two leaves are professionally laminated together with some slight repairs to the address leaf, otherwise Fine.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
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Lot 1003
  Withdrawn
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Lot 1004

[Benjamin Franklin], folded cover sent to Franklin in Paris while he was Minister to France (1776-1785), addressed in Spanish to "D. [Doctor] Ben Franklin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Thirteen United Provinces of North America at the Court [of Versailles], Paris", hand-carried outside the mails, Fine.
Estimate 750 - 1,000

Spain joined the war in 1779 when she declared war on Great Britain with the goal of getting Gibraltar back. Though she probably never intended to aid the American Colonies, Franklin still kept up some correspondence with Spain in the hope of getting assistance from her navy. As late as 1781 John Jay was in Madrid still hoping to get some aid, but none was forthcoming.

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Lot 1005

[Benjamin Franklin], group of eight cover fronts addressed to Franklin in Paris (Passy) while Minister to France, all but one in French (the other in English), six with French postal markings (one manuscript rate only), one Swiss and one apparently hand-carried, various spellings including "Francklin" and "Franklyn", generally Fine.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 1006
Franklin, Benjamin (1746-1813), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, inventor, philosopher, physicist, printer, diplomat. Revolutionary War Dated Autograph Letter Signed "B. Franklin" and additionally signed by Silas Deane and Arthur Lee, one page 7½ x 9¼ Passy near Paris, September 13, 1777. To "John Ross, Esq, Merchant at Nantes" urgently requesting payment of funds due them so as to use these toward repayment of the outstanding loan from France to the United States.

"…You gave us to expect at the Time we assisted You with Mr. Grand's Draughts, for Four Hundred & Fifty Thousand Livres, that you would be able to repay it, or a considerable part of it soon; We must inform You that we are at this Time in very great want of it and pray You would make us as Considerable Remittance as may be in your power, if you are not able to discharge the whole Sum, which would indeed be more agreeable to Us and of great Service to Our Country…"

With integral address leaf in Franklin's hand, postmarked "PAR" with handstruck "D 23" in red and "SP 16" in black, taxed "8" (décimes) in manuscript. Slight splitting at one fold well clear of text and two patched areas where the seal has been removed (only affecting small part of "P" of "Passy" in dateline). Fine overall condition.
Estimate 35,000 - 50,000

A HIGHLY IMPORTANT HISTORICAL WAR DATED LETTER RELATING TO THE AMERICAN MISSION SENT TO FRANCE TO NEGOTIATE THE TREATY OF COMMERCE AND FRIENDSHIP AND TO COVERTLY RAISE FUNDS FOR THE REVOLUTIONARY CAUSE.

At the time of the writing of this letter, Franklin, Deane, and Lee were the three accredited American Commissioners to France, whose mission was to raise money for the American Revolution and to negotiate a treaty of commerce and friendship with France. Silas Deane was the first to arrive in France in March, 1776, posing as a merchant from Bermuda, while having been appointed a secret political agent by the Committee of Secret Correspondence (a forerunner of the State Department) to procure funding for arms and supplies from the French. Arthur Lee, the brother of Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry Lee, had been acting in a similar capacity in England and had already made inroads in establishing the Franco-American relationship. Deane managed to enlist the support of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, the fiery playwright who was enamoured with the American Revolution, and Comte de Vergennes, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1776, the French government began giving clandestine aid to the Americans, mandating Beaumarchais to sell one million pounds worth of munitions through a Portuguese company. Later, the American commissioners would lobby for the full and open support of the French in the war. On February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Alliance signed between France and America brought this about. A month later, Silas Deane was recalled to America to answer charges of financial irregularities brought against him by Congress. He was replaced by John Adams.

The above letter was written from Franklin's residence in Passy, a suburb of Paris. As has been well-documented, life in France particularly suited Franklin, and he charmed French society, which in turn held him in the highest esteem. Aside from the 1778 Treaty of Alliance, which marked France's official entry in the war, Franklin also signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, before returning to America in 1785. Thomas Jefferson was then appointed Minister to France. When Vergennes asked Jefferson if he was Franklin's replacement, Jefferson retorted: "No one can replace him, Sir, I am only his successor".

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Lot 1007
Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814), Massachusetts signer of the Declaration of Independence, signer of the Articles of Confederation, Governor of Massachusetts (1810-1812), U.S. Vice President under Madison (1813-1814). Namesake of the term gerrymander. War of 1812 Dated Autograph Letter Signed as Governor of Massachusetts, "E. Gerry, ", one page, 7¾ x 9¾ Cambridge, Mass., June 8, 1812. Letter of recommendation for one Thomas Finley with integral address leaf addressed by Gerry to "Major General [Henry] Dearborn at Boston". In part "I have received the enclosed certificate from [Harvard] President [John] Kirkland, this morning. The note has no direction, because the young gentleman did not disclose to Mr. Kirkland the object. It is to obtain an appointment in the army…" hand carried by "Mr. Finley". Very Fine condition with small piece missing at left (folded) edge.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 1008
Hall, Lyman (1724-1790), Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence, physician, politician, Governor of Georgia (1783). Manuscript Document Signed as Governor of Georgia, one page, 11 x  8, Savannah, October 11, 1783. Bounty Land Grant to one Christian McVicars of 100 acres "…as per Certificate from Major John Habersham of the Georgia Line…" and to another 100 acres "by resolution of Congress of the 16th Septemr 1776."

"The said Christian McVicars, being the widow of Daniel McVicars, a private soldier in the first Continental Battalion of Georgia enlisted for the war, and was killed by the Indians at Fort Fulsom on the Ceded Lands…"


Inlaid to an overall 11½ x 8½ Fine condition with some professional restoration.
Estimate 7,500 - 10,000

A BOLD, ATTRACTIVE SIGNATURE OF HALL WHOSE AUTOGRAPH IS RARE IN ANY FORM.

John Habersham was appointed Indian Agent by George Washington, and he was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1785.

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Lot 1009
Huntington, Samuel (1731-1796), Connecticut signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, President of Continental Congress (1779-1781), first Governor of Connecticut. Revolutionary War-date Letter Signed as President of the Continental Congress, 1½ pages (two sides of one sheet), 7¼ x 9, Philadelphia, May 24, 1781. To Major General [Nathaniel] Greene, in part:

"You will receive enclosed the Copy of a Resolution of the 15th Instant [not present], containing the Appointment of the Principal Officers in the medical Department for the southern Army.

"You will observe that all such Officers of the medical Department appointed under the former Directorship of Doctor Oliphant who are now in Captivity in South Carolina and Georgia and have Charge of the Sick in those States, are continued in their respective Offices &c but to extend no further than to the Troops & Hospitals within the Enemies’s Lines…"


Boldly signed "Sam. Huntington President". Very Fine condition, trimmed slightly and inlaid to a reinforcing edge.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
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Lot 1010
Morris, Robert (1734-1806), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, merchant, financier, U.S. Senator (1789-1795), and appointed Secretary of the Treasury (1789) by Washington but declined. Autograph Letter Signed "Rob Morris", one page (with integral blank leaf containing address panel), 7½ x 9¾ Philadelphia (not indicated), March 18, 1798 ("Shelah's Day"). To John Nicholson: "After walking 50 times round the garden, I have returned to my room…" acknowledging letters from Nicholson and referring to a financial matter: "Greenleaf has summoned the suing Creditors in the Federal Court to appear before Judge Peters to show cause so I believe and hope he will go as you or I want his room." Slight aging and minor edge wear, Very Fine.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

A REMARKABLE LETTER PRESUMABLY WRITTEN FROM DEBTORS' PRISON FROM ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT FOUNDERS AND FINANCIERS OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC.

Euphemistically known as the "financier of the American Revolution", Morris, at the time of writing this letter, was reportedly in Prune Street, Philadelphia, debtors' prison from February 1798, so the allusion to walking around the garden is a puzzling one (prison yard exercise?). John Nicholson, the Comptroller General of Pennsylvania, and the litigious James Greenleaf were Morris' partners in the unsuccessful North American Land Company, which failed in 1798. Nicholson died in debtors' prison in 1800, while Morris was released in 1802, under the national bankruptcy laws passed by Congress partly for this very purpose.

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Lot 1011
  Paine, Robert Treat (1731-1814), Massachusetts signer of the Declaration of Independence, lawyer, politician. Revolutionary War Dated Partly Printed Document Signed " Rob Treat Paine" as Attorney General for Massachusetts and filled in by him with his full name also in his hand in the text, one page, 11 x 17¼ Boston, July 2, 1780. People of Massachusetts versus Henry Laughton, the accused having been a Loyalist since April 19, 1775, conspiring to levy war against the U.S. while aiding the British. Having fled the Colonies on March 30, 1776, and now residing in London, his citizenship had been revoked and his properties confiscated— People seek confirmation of legality of said actions. Docketed "filed Aug. 19, 1780 ordered that notification arise." Aging and reinforced splitting along folds, Very Good condition.
Estimate 2,000 - 2,500

Robert Treat Paine had a distinguished legal career. He was the prosecutor for Britain in the "Boston Massacre" trial of Captain John Prescott and his soldiers (John Adams conducted the defense), served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1774-1776, and was a Justice of the Massachusetts State Supreme Court from 1790-1804.

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Lot 1012
Rutledge, Edward (1749-1800), South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence, lawyer, politician, Governor of South Carolina., Document Signed, three pages, 7¾ x 13, Charleston, 1791. Court documents concerning a debt owed to one Edward Penman by Revolutionary hero General "Mad" Anthony Wayne.

The first page, in the hand of Penman and signed by him several times in the text, and at the conclusion by Rutledge as a receipt, is dated 16 April 1791 and headed "Papers drawn by Anty. Wayne on Willem & Jan Willink of Amsterdam…" [Dutch merchants to whom Wayne had mortgaged his Pennsylvania property to gain funds for his Georgia enterprise] and a "protest for non payment thereof." This draft was for a second group of slaves Penman had sold to Wayne in the hope that he could use them to work free of his debt. Other papers listed include "a bill of Sale of 33 Negroes from Genl. Wayne to E. Penman", a "release from Genl. Wayne to E. Penman of Richmond & Kew", [the names of Wayne’s two rice plantations] and a "Warrant of Atty. by E. Penman to Wm. Lewis Esqr. [Wayne’s attorney] of Phila. to enter satisfaction" [on the Pennsylvania judgment]. The full second page in entirely in the hand of Rutledge and is Penman’s release of Wayne’s debts, having "received full satisfaction". The release is signed at the top of the third page by Penman, and as witnesses by Rutledge and by Richard Wayne, Junr., a cousin who was apparently representing the General. Below this are two other shorter ADsS by Rutledge: "This release is left with me to be delivered to Genl. Wayne, when, and not before, he shall be entitled…Ed. Rutledge", and "The General has become entitled to the Papers & Deliver them accordingly, E. Rutledge". Next appears a notarizing of Penman's signature in 1805, presumably at the instance of Wayne’s heirs. On the fourth page is a brief docket by Rutledge.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT CONCERNING THE LIFE OF THE COLORFUL SOLDIER PLUS FOUR SIGNATURES AND ABOUT 250 WORDS IN THE SIGNER’S HAND.

Although nothing written by Wayne appears here, this document reflects an important chapter in his life. It marks the failure of his civilian career as a rice planter on two plantations granted him by the State of Georgia in 1782. To farm his land Wayne purchased slaves from Penman, a Charleston slave broker, incurring a debt that, after a series of misfortunes, would cost him his Georgia property. The satisfaction of the debt, several years later, is documented here, with Penman taking both plantations and the remaining slaves as the best he could get from Wayne, who agreed to value the plantations at a lower figure than he wished in order to save his Pennsylvania home, against which Penman had filed a lien.

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Lot 1013
Walton, George (1741-1804), Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician. Manuscript Document Signed, one page, 7½ x 12, Savannah, Ga., December 24, 1775. To the Chairman of the Committee for the Parish of Saint Andrew, in full:

"Gentlemen
The secret Committee having informed the Council of Safety that several Vessels are loading with lumber up Sapelo & other Rivers, with [the]intention to supply the West India Markets, contrary to the restraints of Congress; I am therefore ordered to acquaint the Committees for the southern Parishes therewith, and to request that they will forthwith send a party of men to enquire into the premises, and to authorize and require them, in case they should find any such Vessels loading as aforesaid, to take Such steps as will effectually prevent the carrying into execution any such wicked and daring attempts. The men employed and the necessary charges and expences [sic] accruing upon such expedition will be paid.
By Order of the Council of Safety
[signed] Geo Walton, President"

Inlaid to an overall 8 x 12¾ with some professional restoration, particularly replacing a small piece at the upper right which affect two words of text, Fine appearance.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

EXCELLENT CONTENT REGARDING THE BUILDUP TO WAR.
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