Early America
Click On Items To Enlarge

 

1.  Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795) Statesman. Bartlett was a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire, and signatory of the Declaration of Independence. He was later Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature and Governor of the state. 6” x 3 ¼” document signed, Kingston, June 28, 1775. The document is an order to pay Moses Welch “…of his Services as a Surveyor of High way….” Bartlett signs with two others as Selectmen of Kingston. There are two age spots, overall toning. 

$350 to $500

2.  William Bingham (1751-1804) Statesman. Bingham was a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress and served in the United States Senate from 1795 to 1801. He helped to found the Bank of North America, the first bank of the new nation, in 1781. He was also a land surveyor, and looked to develop areas currently a part of Southern New York, and Northern Pennsylvania. Binghamton, New York was named in his honor. 9 ½” x 7 ¾” vellum stock certificate for one share of stock in the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, 1795, issued to Rebeca Gore, signed as president.

$1,000 to $1,800

3.  Aaron Burr (1756-1836) Politician. Burr served as the third Vice President of the United States, under Thomas Jefferson. In 1804 Burr challenged longtime political rival Alexander Hamilton to a duel and fatally shot him. 4 ¾” x 7” unsigned autograph letter, March 21 (no year), to J. V. N. Yates. “…Having occasion to search among the records of the Senate for certain matters transacted in 1780, we were greatly surprised to discover that there was not a paper in the office or in the keeping of the Clerk of the Senate of earlier date than 1790-- Mr Bacon can give no account of the missing papers….” 

$250 to $400

 

4.  Dewitt Clinton (1769-1828) Politician. Clinton served as United States Senator and Governor of New York. In this last capacity he was largely responsible for the construction of the Erie Canal. 8” x 9 ¾” autograph letter signed, Albany, August 22, 1827, to Dr. Smith. “…send to me David Cunike’s History…five volumes…I will remit to you the charges….” Small tear in the right margin from opening.

$100 to $200

 

5.  Peter Colt (1736-1824) Patriot. Colt was appointed Deputy Commissary General of Purchases for the Eastern Department in 1777. He assisted Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth in furnishing supplies to the French Troops under Rochambeau. From 1789 to 1793 he was Treasurer of Connecticut. Peter Colt was related Samuel Colt. 8” x 4” partially printed document signed, State of Connecticut, June 1, 1782, signed. The document is a pay order directing payment to Nathaniel Sturgess “…who had served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army….”  

$150 to $250

 

6.  Jedediah Huntington - Connecticut Tax Receipt – 1783. 7 ¾” x 12 ½” legal document, Hartford, Connecticut, August 8, 1783, signed by William Sutton and Ralph Pomeroy with a cancellation signature through their names signed by Jedediah Huntington, “Huntington.” The document evidences receipt of funds from confiscated estates and land rent collected by John Lawrence.

 

$300 to $500

 

7.  William Eden, 1st Baron Auckland (1745 - 1814) British statesman. Eden was sent to America in 1778, he carried an Act for the improvement of the treatment of prisoners, on an unsuccessful mission to settle certain disputes with certain colonists. 6 ¼” x 7 ¾” autograph letter signed, one-one third pages, front and back, no place or date, to “Dear Lee.” The letter deals with treaty negotiations, likely with the French, “…I doubt whether they will be dispatched from this country…I heartily wish we were clear of them….” Two small holes in a fold, paper loss in the left margin affects text.

 

 

$150 to $300

 

8.William Ellery (1727-1820) Merchant. Ellery was among the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Ellery also served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island and by 1785 he had become an abolitionist. He was the first customs collector of the port of Newport under the Constitution, serving there until his death. 7 ¾” x 12 ½” autograph document signed in the text four times and again on the reverse, April 9, 1783. The document is a Bill of Sale and Promissory Note from Joshua Landford. Minor paper loss and break in the center fold.

$1,000 to $1,500

 

9.  Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807) Jurist. Ellsworth was the second Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served as a senator in the newly formed Congress. Ellsworth is primarily remembered for his contribution to the formation of the Constitution and for drafting the Judiciary Act of 1789, which provided for a strong federal judiciary system and created the United States Supreme Court. 8” x 6 ¾” payorder signed, directing payment to Michael Barber, July 17, 1777 also signed by John Chenevard (1733-1808).

$200 to $350

 

10.  Oliver Ellsworth. 3” x 6 ½” legal document signed in the text, October 18, 1781. One page receipt for legal papers pertaining to pending law suits while Ellsworth was serving as Connecticut’s State Attorney.

 $400 to $500

 

11.  Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) Statesman. Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, a Founding Father, economist, and political philosopher. The chief of staff to General George Washington during the American Revolution, he was a leader of nationalist forces calling for a new Constitution. 7 ¾” x 12 ½” legal document signed, “Albany, Oct. 25, 1796 Alexander Hamilton.” The document is a legal agreement involving a boundary dispute. “…The respective parties shall execute conveyances to each other of the lands in controversy between them according to three different constructions of the said bounds, to be lodged with the said Reference, as Escrow, & delivered to the party in favour of whom their opinion shall be….” The document is also signed by the counsel for the opposition, Richard Harrison. The document shows some age spotting and is mounted to a larger sheet.

$5,000 to $6,000

 

12.  David Gelston (1744-1828) Merchant, politician. Gelston was a delegate to the last session of the Continental Congress and a member of the New York State Senate. Gelston was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson Collector of the Port of New York in 1801, and held that post until 1821. 7 ¾” x 9 ¾” autograph letter signed, Custom House, New York, April 26, 1810, to James Hill. “…A schooner called the Ant has just arrived here from Bordeaux which I believe to be the Hornet from your port – she is about 150 tons- will you let me know as soon as possible whether any such vessel ever belonged to your port….” 

$100 to $200

 

13.  Sam Houston (1793-1863) President of the Republic of Texas. Houston led the Texans in their struggle to win independence from Mexico. Later he served as president of the republic of Texas. After Texas became a state, he represented it in the United States Senate. He was elected governor of Texas just before the Civil War, but when he opposed the state's decision for secession, he was removed from office. 5 1/8” x 3 1/8” postal cover addressed and free franked. The cover is addressed to "R. A. Ewing, Esq," and has a post mark of February 2. Matted with a color image and brass plaque and framed with gold fillets to 15 ¼" x 25 ¼".

 

 

$2,000 to $2,500

 

14.  Jedediah Huntington (1743-1818) General, patriot. Huntington aided in repealing the British at Danbury, Connecticut and later fought in New York. He was one of the organizers of the Society of the Cincinnati. He became collector of the port of New London in 1789 and held the office 26 years. 6 ¼” x 7 ½” partially printed document signed, Connecticut, August 4, 1789. The document is a certification that “…Capt Jon. Johnson has lodged…2 Army Notes due June 1, 1785 amounting to 129 3 (Pounds) ….”. The document is endorsed by Johnson on the reverse.

$300 to $500

 

15.  Francis Scott Key (1780-1843) Poet, lawyer. Key is best known for penning the poem The Defense of Fort McHenry, which later became The Star Spangled Banner. 3 ¼" x 7 ¾” receipt, October 21, 1817, signed "F. S. Key.". The document is matted with an engraving, gold fillets and brass description plaque and framed to 15 ½” x 22”.

 

 

 

$1,500 to $2,800

 

16.  Francis Scott Key. 7 ¾” x 10 ½” legal document signed, “Key,” place unknown, August 15, 1804. The document, written in another hand, accuses Mrs. Andrea Deale of perjury in a suit brought against her by Attorney Key in behalf of his clients, “…Michael Rowe & Wife….” It has been double matted with an engraving and framed to17” x 18”.

 

 

 

$1,200 to $2,000

 

17.  Lafayette (Gilbert de Motier ) (1757–1834). French general and political leader. Lafayette left his country to join George Washington’s army. When he arrived in Philadelphia in 1777, Congress appointed him a major general. He quickly became a close friend of Washington, sharing the hardships of Valley Forge and obtaining a divisional command. After traveling to France in 1779–80 to negotiate for French aid, he distinguished himself at Yorktown. He returned to France after the war and played a prominent role in politics and the military. 6” x 7 ¾” autograph letter, in French, signed, “Lafayette,” Paris, February 17, 1830, to Monsieur le M. de Cambis. “…having indicated the desire of having two tickets for some ladies, I am enclosing herewith the one he was kind enough to let me have for tomorrow, together with another which I managed to procure…”

 $1,500 to $1,800

 

18.  Henry Lee (1756-1818) Revolutionary cavalry officer known as ``Light-Horse Harry'' Lee and father of Robert E. Lee. Lee served brilliantly as cavalry commander in the southern campaign under General Nathanael Greene. After the war Lee was elected governor of Virginia and, later, a member of Congress. 7 ¼” x 8 ¾”, two page legal document signed, June 5, 1802. The document details a default on a land purchase and is signed  at the conclusion.

$750 to $1,200

 

19.  Robert Morris (1734-1806) Financier. Morris was a signer to the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. Morris was known as the “Financier of the Revolution,” because of his role in securing financial assistance for the American side in the Revolutionary War. 8” x 9 ¾” letter signed, Washington, January 8, 1853, to Philip Phelps, Deputy Comptroller. “…Have the Legislature passed a Law yet by which I can get my salary - I have not recd one cent for my services for Jany 1 inst. Send me a check payable at any of the Banks in this city. Please answer."  

$950 to $1,200

 

20.  (Thomas Paine) (1736-1809) Author, Founding Father. Paine’s principal contributions were the powerful, widely-read pamphlet Common Sense, advocating colonial America's independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and The American Crisis, a pro-revolutionary pamphlet series. An extremely rare 4 ½” x 7 ½”, one hundred eighty-three page copy, The Crisis: in Thirteen Numbers Written During the Late War, Charles R. & George Webster, 1792. No cover, evenly age toned.

$900 to $1,500

 

21.  James Pemberton (1723-1808) Quaker merchant, philanthropist. Pemberton was one of the founders of Pennsylvania Hospital and succeeded Benjamin Franklin as the president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. 6 ¼” x 3 ¾” partially printed financial document signed, April 26, 1768. The document is a Pennsylvania Hospital subscription certificate acknowledging a debt of twenty pounds by Thomas Riche. Evenly age toned, there is a 3” x 1” fragment cut from the document in the right margin.

 $300 to $500

 

22.  Timothy Pickering (1745-1829) Patriot. Pickering was appointed Washington’s Adjutant General in June of 1777. He was present at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown and was elected to the newly created Board of War. On Aug. 5, 1780, he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the Army. Pickering was also present at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was Secretary of State under the administration of John Adams until the XYZ affair.8” x 12 ¾” letter signed, War Office, August 15, 1795, to Nathaniel Appleton. “…I transmit you a list of Invalid Pensioners for the State of Massachusetts, with my warrant thereon for the payment of their annual pension… In the beginning of December next you will transmit to this office a return of the deaths of any of the invalids, which may then have come to your knowledge....”  

$450 to $600

23.  Joseph Reed. 7 ¼” x 6” document signed, Philadelphia, December 13, 1779, to David Rittenhouse. The document is a pay order, “…Pay to Mrs. Sarah Chestnut or her order the sum of two hundred and forty three pounds ten shillings the amount of her Claim on the estate of Thomas Mackiness, decreed her by the Supreme Court, with Interest on the sum of two hundred pounds from the fifteenth day of December 1776….”  Irregularly torn at the top, age tone in the horizontal fold.

$200 to $350

24.  Thomas T. Tucker (1745-1828) Physician, politician. Tucker represented South Carolina in both the Continental Congress and the United States House. He later served as Treasurer of the United States. Tucker was an early supporter of the cause of American independence. He was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1776, and served there in various years until 1788. In 1781 he joined the Continental Army as a hospital surgeon supporting the Southern Department, and served until 1783. South Carolina sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1787 and again in 1778. 5 ¾” x 3 ¼” partially printed document signed, “Th. T. Tucker Treas. Un. States,” October 21, 1826. The document is a receipt issued to John Winslow for his payment of thirty dollars “…in conformity to an Act of Congress, dated 21st February, 1793….”

$50 to $100

 

25.  Sir Henry Vane (1613-1662) English politician. Vane served as governor of Massachusetts in 1636.  After returning to England, he became treasurer of the navy and was the chief English negotiator of the Solemn League and Covenant, Vane became leader of the House of Commons and a member of the Commonwealth's Council of State. After the Restoration, he was arrested, imprisoned, and executed for treason. 7 ½” x 11 ¾” document signed, Westminster, October 1648. The document is a receipt.

 

$900 to $1,200

 

26.  Thomas Willing (1731-1821) Merchant, Delegate to the Continental Congress. Willing entered into business with Robert Morris to establish the firm of Willing, Morris, and Company, which became one of the most successful businesses in the American colonies. During the Revolutionary War Willing and Morris, became two of the most important figures in obtaining foreign supplies needed by the army. Because he supplied the army at a price, rather than as a free service, during and after the war he came under harsh criticism. 7 ¾” x 13” document signed, two pages, Philadelphia, June 1, 1811. The document lists the assets of John Nixon (1733-1808) at it is also signed by Henry Nixon, John’s son. John Nixon is best known as the first person to publicly read the Declaration of Independence, which he did from the steps of the State House on July 8, 1776. Henry Nixon was the son-in-law of Robert Morris.

$150 to $300

 

27.  William Augustus Washington (1757-1810) Brigadier General. Washington was an officer of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, who held a final rank of Brigadier General in the newly created United States after the war. Primarily known as a commander of light dragoons, mounted troops under Washington's command engaged in a number of notable battles in the Carolinas during the campaigns of 1780 and 1781.

8 ½” x 3 ¼” financial document signed, April 18, 1804, Wahsington authorizes payment of “four hundred and Ninety two dollars and twenty five cents…” to Bushrod Washington. Age toned, some paper loss in the margins, mounted. Bushrod Washington (1762-1829) was a Supreme Court associate justice and the nephew of George Washington.

$100 to $175

 

28.  Oliver Wolcott, Jr. (1760-1833) Politician. Wolcott was United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1795 to 1800 and governor of Connecticut from 1817 to 1827. 8” x 6 ½” pay order, April 8, 1779, directing payment to John Cuningham signed by John Chenevard (1733-1808) and Fenn Wadsworth (1750-1785). The order has been signed by Wolcott diagonally across the face.

 $100 to $200

 

29.  Oliver Wolcott, Jr.. 6 ½” x 3 ½” partially printed document signed, Connecticut, March 4, 1787. The document is a pay order directing the payment of one pound to Timothy Cowles. The circular cancellation hole barely touches the beginning of the

 $100 to $200

 

Slavery

30.  Slave Trader Letter. 7 ¾” x 9 ½”, three pages, Nashville, May 15, 1835, to Samuel Logan of Virginia, from Joseph Meeks. “…My objective now is to purchase as many as possible as all signs are favorable only the wet spring, but gotten now 18 to 20 and money plenty so there is no risk…Do not miss likely girls under 500 and men 700 and if even a little old so they ain’t gray and got good teeth, purchase them if the price is in proportion. I have told Little & Talbert to keep out of your market, not to purchase in opposition to each other…don’t loose no negroes for want of funds as I can raise any amount here in 3 days notice…I told Little…of course purchase as low as possible but loose none at 500 girls, 700 fellows, but to purchase in N. Carolina or South Carolina…There is from 7 to 750 asked here for fellows and on the rise. If you come across…seamstresses or fine yellow girls with good hair. They are as valuable as fellows and for no one give as much…In your answer please state as near as possible the number of negroes and capital left on hand….” Age browned with modest paper loss in folds. A full transcription is included. Slave trader letters are extremely rare!

SOLD!!! A Customer has used our "EARLY BUY' to purchase this lot.

 

 $700 to $1,200

 

31.  Slavery – Alabama. 15 ½” x 4 ¾” document January 1845. The document is an accounting of expenses billed to Dr. James G. Young, Guardian for George W. Heath minor. The first entry is for $84.00 covering “…one fifth part of Negro hire for 1845….”  The document is signed by Young and by Justice of the Peace T. W. Mathews. There is a partial break in the center fold.

$175 to $300

 

32.  Slavery – Medical Care for Slaves. 7 ¾” x 5 ¼” invoice to the estate of James Gamble for the period between March 1 and September 15, 1845 in the amount of $19.50 for medical care provided to his slaves. The invoice details supplies and visits to his “child negro.”  The reverse side shows that the invoice was presented by J. B. Holman in the State of Alabama, Wilcox County on January 22, 1846.

SOLD!!! A Customer has used our "EARLY BUY' to purchase this lot.

 

 $175 to $300

 

33.  Slavery – Hire of Negro. 7 ¼” x 4 ½” document, October 30, 1830, a promissory note for “…the sum of eighty dollars being for the hire of Negro Silas for the term of one year….” Age toned.

 $175 to $300

The Written Word Autographs
PO Box 490  Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone/Fax (603) 323-7563
Email:
writword@gmail.com

.