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Signers of the Declaration of Independence |
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1. CHARLES CARROLL of CARROLLTON (1737-1832) |
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| Patriot activist, Revolutionary leader from Maryland, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. One of the wealthiest men in America at the time of the war, he risked everything by signing the Declaration. He was the only Roman Catholic Signer. Check drawn on the Office of Discount and Deposit in Baltimore, Maryland, made out to Mrs. Catherine Harper for $75.00. Dated January 10, 1829, signed "Ch. Carroll of Carrollton." SOLD | |||
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2. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790). | ||
| Printer, Author, Statesman. Signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. By the time of the Revolution, he was an internationally respected scientist for his pioneering work in electricity. An inventor of note, his “Franklin Stove” was a simple, hugely popular device. His international stature helped make him an effective diplomat for the newly independent United States. He negotiated the French alliance and the Peace of Paris that ended the Revolution. He chaired the important Grand Committee that worked out the thorniest issues during the Constitutional Convention. A chapter of the actions of the General Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania. The section contains pages 161 through 182, being the acts and enactments of the session begun October 14, 1751, and adjourned February 3, 1752, during the reign of George II. An excellent example of the work of Franklin’s press, dated 1752, showing the embossed effect of the printing process, and retaining strong, solid black letters. Very rare, and extremely fascinating. $1500.00 | |||
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3. ELBRIDGE GERRY (1744-1814). | ||
| Continental Congressman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence as well as the Articles of Confederation. He opposed the US Constitution as insufficient to guarantee liberty, but later served in the US Congress and died in office as Madison's Vice-President. His efforts at redistricting Massachusetts to favor Jeffersonian Republicans gave rise to the term "Gerrymandering." Third-person note written entirely by Gerry and signed at the commencement "Mr. Gerry," dated October 21, 1790, being an elegantly worded attempt to collect on a bill. $650.00 SOLD | |||
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4. JOHN HANCOCK (1737-1793). | ||
| Most conspicuous Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member and President of the Continental Congress, first Governor of the state of Massachusetts. Very interesting wartime manuscript document, entirely in Hancock's hand, dated June 5, 1782, addressing the "Gentlemen of the Senate & the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives (of Massachusetts). Tantalizing content referring to an important letter "the contents of which so materially affect this Commonwealth" that Hancock directed they be laid before the legislators. The letter apparently came by way of "Mr. Lovell from Philadelphia," probably a reference to JAMES LOVELL (1737-1814), a fellow signed of the Declaration and a Massachusetts member of the Continental Congress. The letter was from yet another signer, the new Superintendant of Finance ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806). Morris' sweeping executive role had been created the previous year to deal with the massive financial crisis plaguing the struggling United States. Among his first proposals were the creation of the first nationally-chartered bank, a national mint, and decimal coinage. It is likely that the letter referred to by Hancock concerned some or all of these massive new initiatives. Docketed on the reverse as the original draft for Hancock's message. Written by Hancock, and signed with his initials "J. H." A terrific and unique Revolutionary War John Hancock. Archivally de-acidified and backed. $3,800.00 | |||
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5. BENJAMIN HARRISON (1726-1791). | ||
| Revolutionary Statesman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Continental Congressman from Virginia, and later Governor of the sate during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Partially printed certificate authorizing a grant of land to John Bishaw, for his service in the Revolution as a private in the First Regiment of Artillery in the Continental Line, the small regular army of the new republic (as opposed to the more numerous State Line organizations). Boldly signed “Benj. Harrison” and dated September 16, 1783. A great war-related artifact from an important Signer. $1,100.00 | |||
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6. JOHN HART (1711-1779). | ||
| Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member of the Continental Congress, Speaker of the first Assembly of the State of New Jersey. Hart was a last-minute replacement for the New Jersey delegation when the entire original group was dismissed, having been opposed to the idea of independence. He arrived just in time to sign the Declaration on behalf of his state. He later offered his farm as a campsite for Washington's Continental Army during the Monmouth Campaign, and for several days prior to the battle 12,000 American soldiers enjoyed his hospitality. New Jersey one shilling note from the issue of March 25, 1776. Signed on the front, "John Hart." $575.00 | |||
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7. FRANCIS HOPKINSON (1737-1791). | ||
| Patriot activist, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Chairmen of the Navy Board 1776-1781, Treasurer of Loans 1778-1781. An accomplished artist, he designed the United States flag in 1777. He authored numerous, scathingly witty pamphlets that helped inflame popular patriotism during the American Revolution. Partially printed sight draft for interest on war loans to the United States. Revolutionary War-dated 1779, and signed “F. Hopkinson.” Very nice condition. SOLD | |||
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8. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON (1731-1796). | ||
| Patriot activist, self-made man successful in the practice of law, Member of the Continental Congress. President of Congress 1779-1781, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He presided over the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. Governor of the state of Connecticut 1786-1796. Portion of a two-sided manuscript document transferring some land, dated April 29, 1769. Signed "Saml Huntington" as witness. $385.00 SOLD | |||
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9. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON (1731-1796). | ||
| Patriot activist, self-made man successful in the practice of law, Member of the Continental Congress. President of Congress 1779-1781, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He presided over the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. Governor of the state of Connecticut 1786-1796. Legal-size manuscript letter entirely in Huntington’s hand addressed to “Mr. Secretary Scott” in New York, concerning an extensive parcel of land Huntington was looking to acquire for a favorite nephew “to make him a settlement in the world.” Huntington is requesting Scott help with a title search, to ensure the property he is looking at is “unencumbered.” Bodly signed “Saml Huntington.” $1950.00 | |||
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10. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON (1731-1796). | ||
| Patriot activist, self-made man successful in the practice of law, Member of the Continental Congress. President of Congress 1779-1781, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He presided over the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. Governor of the state of Connecticut 1786-1796. Partially printed State of Connecticut pay order made out to “His Excellency Samuel Huntington Esq” for £30.0.0 for the “Civil List,” almost certainly representing Huntington’s pay as Governor of Connecticut. Signed by the Connecticut Comptroller, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., the son of the Declaration Signer of the same name. The senior Wolcott was serving as Huntington’s Lieutenant Governor at the time this order was made. Dated June 27, 1788, and elegantly endorsed on the reverse, “Saml. Huntington.” Excellent condition, and a very interesting piece. $550.00 | |||
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11. THOMAS McKEAN (1734-1817). | ||
| Continental Congressman from Delaware, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Governor of Pennsylvania. Large partially-printed land document for Thomas M. Willing, describing a land grant in Tioga County named “Ashland.” Signed by McKean as Governor of Pennsylvania just above the official wax and paper seal. Very good condition and especially crisp and elegant McKean signature. $450.00 SOLD | |||
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12. ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806). | ||
| Large four-page manuscript indenture leasing land in New Jersey from Morris. On the back of the document is a an interesting addendum transferring the control of the lease from Morris to PHILEMON DICKINSON (1739-1809), patriot activist, delegate to the New Jersey Provincial Congress 1776, Major-General commanding the New Jersey militia from 1777 to the end of the Revolutionary War, seeing much active service in the field. Dated June 1, 1798. Signed and sealed “Robt. Morris.” Both Dickinson and Morris were prominent Revolutionary patriots, who speculated extensively in land. $1195.00 SOLD | |||
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13. JOHN MORTON (1724-1777). | ||
| American Revolutionary Statesman, Continental Congressman from Pennsylvania, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Morton’s vote in favor of Independence was the tie-breaker for his state’s delegation. He later chaired the committee that drafted the Articles of Confederation, the first functional United States government. He died, probably from tuberculosis, before seeing the American victory in the Revolution he helped start. Pennsylvania two-shilling note from 1772 signed by Morton. The note is also signed by Continental Congressman CHARLES HUMPHRIES (1712-1786), a Quaker who voted against the Declaration of Independence. Well-circulated with some fading, but a clear and legible Morton signature. $825.00 | |||
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14. (PENNSYLVANIA STATESMEN). | ||
| Signature panel cut from a document bearing the signature of THOMAS McKEAN (1734-1817), Continental Congressman from Delaware, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Governor of Pennsylvania. Also signed by THOMAS MIFFLIN (1744-1800), Major-General during the War of the Revolution, Quartermaster-General of the Continental Army until 1778, Washington’s first aide-de-camp, and Governor of Pennsylvania 1790-1799, as well as THOMAS WILLING (1731-1821), business partner of Robert Morris and first president of both the Bank of the United States and the Bank of North America (the first bank chartered by the United States), and WILLIAM WHITE (1748-1836), Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania and Chaplain to Congress 1787-1801. A high-caliber grouping of early American patriots. $825.00 SOLD | |||
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15. GEORGE READ (1733-1798). | ||
| American Revolutionary, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. A prominent Delaware statesman, he served as Continental Congressman, Constitutional Convention Delegate, US Senator and Chief Justice for his state, as well as President of Delaware. Large manuscript document entirely in Read’s own hand, being his notes for a case concerning the will of Margaret Moore. Dated 1763, and signed on the docket with his initials “G.R.” $375.00 | |||
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16. GEORGE READ (1733-1798). | ||
| Manuscript document entirely in Read’s own hand concerning the various sales of a tract of land from 1703 to the present day (1789). The original land patent came from William Penn. Fine condition. $225.00 | |||
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17. CAESAR RODNEY (1728-1784). | ||
| Brigadier General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Continental Congressman for Delaware, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Autograph letter dated April 22, 1781, to his brother Continental Congressman Thomas Rodney. Interesting wartime content, as this letter accompanied a letter to Congress from John Jay, then US Minister at the court of Madrid, Spain. Rodney further requests that his courier, Joseph Dyer, return with information on what the letter contained. Spain was. Along with France, a critically important American ally in the Revolutionary War. Their Caribbean operations in the year this letter was written were instrumental tying up British forces that may have helped reinforce the doomed garrison at Yorktown. Very good condition, archivally de-acidified and professionally preserved. $1950.00 SOLD | |||
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18. GEORGE WALTON (1741-1804). | ||
| American Revolutionary, Colonel of the First Regiment of the Georgia Militia. Wounded and captured by the British during the siege of Savannah, and later exchanged in 1779. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, serving later as Governor, US Senator, and Chief Justice of Georgia. He was a fierce political opponent of fellow Georgia Signer, Button Gwinnet. He assisted General Lachlan McIntosh during the duel in which Gwinnet was mortally wounded. Superb legal opinion written and signed by Walton, concerning the important issue of banishment and confiscation of property that was enforced on those deemed “traitors” during the revolution. In this case, a former secretary to a Continental Army general who had crossed over to the British side was under banishment by order of the government of South Carolina, and the extract of minutes from the State Council on the reverse asks for Walton’s opinion as to whether Georgia should be bound to respect their sister state’s edict. Walton upholds the idea that states are bound to uphold each others’ laws, and deemed it the “duty” of the governor of Georgia to enforce the South Carolina Act of Banishment in this case. Dated December 16, 1785, and signed “Geo Walton” as Chief Justice. A fantastic Signer document and a significant legal opinion from the first years of American independence! $2500.00 | |||
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19. WILLIAM WILLIAMS (1731-1811). | ||
| Patriot activist, Connecticut merchant, Continental Congressman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, attended the state convention ratifying the US Constitution. Pay order written and signed by Williams granting a petitioners request and authorizing payment by the lower house of the Connecticut legislature. Dated January, 1769, and signed “Wm. Williams.” $375.00 SOLD | |||
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20. WILLIAM WILLIAMS (1731-1811). | ||
| Patriot activist, Connecticut merchant, Continental Congressman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, attended the state convention ratifying the US Constitution. Partially printed certificate confirming the voluntary enlistment of Ephraim Wheeler as a “private Soldier to serve his Majesty King George, in the present Expedition forming for the Invasion of Canada.” Dated April 6, 1759, the document is signed “W. Williams” as Justice of the Peace. Williams also certified that Wheeler had received his bounty money and had the Articles of War concerning desertion and mutiny read to him. A fascinating item relating to the final expulsion of the French from North America during the French and Indian War, witnessed by a signer of the Declaration of Independence who would find himself on the other side of Royal authority less then twenty years after signing this. Documents relating to the British military in America, particularly during the great colonial wars, are rare. Archivally preserved, and presented in an acid-free mat under UV-resistant plexi. $825.00 | |||
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21. WILLIAM WILLIAMS (1731-1811). | ||
| Patriot activist, Connecticut merchant, Continental Congressman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, attended the state convention ratifying the US Constitution. Receipt written and signed by Williams for £17.0.0, war-dated April 15, 1782. Small “x” over Williams’ name as a cancellation, otherwise a strong signature, “Wm. Williams, Insp.” $450.00 SOLD | |||