Lot 67
The Citizens of Hillsborough New Jersey confirms their support for the Continental Congress, large document on vellum, 13" x 13", no date, probably early 1776, the text in full: "The freeholders and inhabitants of Hillsborough, in the county of Somerset and provence of New Jersey having Long Viewed with Concern the Avowed Design of the Ministry of Great Britain to Raise a Revinue In America; Being Deeply affective with the Cruel Hostilities allready Comence in Massachusetts Bay for Carrying that Abritrary Design into Exectution; Convinced that the Preservation of the Rights and Priviledges of America Depends, under God on the firm union of its inhabitants, do, with hearts abhoring Slavery and ardently wishings for a Reconciliation with our parent State on Constitutional principles, Solomnly Associate Resolve under Sacred Ties of virtue, Honour and Love to our Country that we will Personally and as Far as our Influence Extends Endevor to Support and Cary into Execution whatever Measures may be Recommended by the Contitental Provincial Congresses Descending and our Constitution Preserving the Same Inviolate.
We Do allso Further Associate and agree as Far as Shall be Consistent with Measures Adopted for the Preservation of American Fredom do Suport the Magistrates as other Sivil Officers In the Executions of their Duty agreable to the Lawes of this Coloney and to observe our Committee acting according to the Resolutions of the aforesaid Continental Provincial Congresses Firmly Determined by all Means in our power to guard against those Disorders Confusion to which the peculiar Circumstances of the Times Expose us."
The document was signed by more than 30 citizens of Hillsborough. One small split and a couple of tiny unnoticeable holes, some worn areas but mostly quite readable, exceedingly rare. There are two or three more of these documents in historical societies, such as Salem County. We are not aware of any others in private hands.
A wonderful historic artifact of America at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, clearly showing what was disturbing the colonists about Great Britain's rule.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
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| Realized $4,500 |
