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1. (AMERICAN REVOLUTION). VAN RENSSELAER, P. (?-?). Unsigned Document.
Revolutionary War patriot -- possibly the Captain Peter van Rensselaer who commanded the Fourth Company, New York militia, but this point warrants further research. Unsigned Document, 2pp (1st and 3rd leaves), 8" X 13", n.p., 1777 August 16-November 10. Very good. Mild age toning and slight bits of foxing. Captioned "1777 For which receipts where given by Mr. Bull for the use of the Labratory," this fascinating Revolutionary War invoice consists of lists of military supplies repeatedly marked "Rec'd. of Mr. P V. Rensselaer" and grouped by date (August 16, September 22, October 19, November 6, October 8, November 10). On August 16, for instance, van Rensselaer received "68 Thread 215 Ball 3 Ream Cartridge paper 16 Ream do. - do. - 1 Box Grape Shot 3 Casks ball 3 boxes buck Shot 20 Sheep Skins 9 Skains Twine 4 Boxes Grape Shot." The other dates show similar supplies. The November 6 supplies seem geared toward heavy artillery, including "3 Reams of Cannon C. [artridge] paper 2 Hds Slow Match 1 Box Contg. 6 doz portfires and 1000 Tubes 7 Boxes Case Shot for 6 pounders 3 do. -- for 4 do. 5 do. -- paper Cartridges for 4 do. 160 of Sheet Lead 12 prs. Copper 2 Gin Blocks...." Other supplies noted include quantities of quill pens, hand spokes and Borax. A postscript penned vertically alongside the September 22 list notes that "Besides powder from the Magazine and Ball from the Several places were they was Cast." A routine, day-to-day record that shows one small facet of the kinds of supplies that kept an army going. Absolutely intriguing one small facet of the kinds of supplies that kept an army going. Absolutely intriguing one small facet of the kinds of supplies that kept an army going. Absolutely intriguing -- a delightful, quite intriguing artifact.
Price: $695.00

2. ARNOLD, Peleg (1752-1820). Unsigned Autograph Document.
Member of the Continental Congress from Rhode Island (1787-89), later chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Unsigned AD, 2pp (single leaf), 7¼" X 9", n.p., n.d. Very good. Light, minor age toning; original folds. Each side of this single leaf bears two columns of names in Arnold's hand. Cryptic -- perhaps a roster of voter's names (all male, of course!) from a "Franklin" county (which word heads two columns) for some now-obscure election? Though not in alphabetical order, identical last names are often clustered together, including four Arnolds. A total of 72 names. Accompanied by a delightful vintage engraved portrait of Arnold. Highly unusual and quite attractive.
Price: $200.00

3. BEE, Thomas (1725-1812). Partly-printed Document Signed.
Delegate to First and Second Provincial Congresses; lieutenant governor of South Carolina; member of the Continental Congress (1780-82). Party-printed DS, 1p, 12½" X 7½", Charleston, SC, 1773 August 10. Very good. Minor archival strengthening on verso; minor edge chips. Paper seal present. Attorney Bee, ten a member of the Commons House, witnesses a subpoena issued to Andrew Cunningham. Also signed by THOMAS KNOX GORDON, South Carolina chief justice. Bee signs a second time (simply "Bee") on the verso. Picturesque and interesting.
Price: $275.00

4. BRADY, James (?-?). (Colonial Land Deed).
Sheriff of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Partly-printed Document Signed, 1p, 17½" X 22", Westmoreland County, PA, 1798 October 27. Very good. Slightly parted at some folds, but complete, clean and attractive. Interesting land deed in which Brady sells seven tracts of land (400 acres each) to Samuel Hollinworth for a total price of seventy dollars. Circular blind-embossed flute-edged paper seal present and completely unchipped. The printed text relates in typically convoluted legalese how Brady was acting on behalf of the county in selling off enormous land tracts that had once belonged to financiers Robert Morris and John Nicholson in order to satisfy their debts. Morris (1734-1806) was actually in debtors' prison when this particular deed was written, his massive land speculations having collapsed; and Nicholson (d. 1800), his partner in these land speculations, went to debtors' prison (where he died) in 1800.
Price: $200.00

5. BURRALL, Jonathan (1753-1834). Autograph Note Signed.
Joining the Continental Army under Schuyler, Burrall was soon appointed assistant paymaster general; later he served as assistant postmaster-general, then cashier of the United States branch bank of New York, then manager of the New York State Lottery in an effort to restore confidence . ANS, 1p plus integral address leaf, 8" X 10", New York, NY, 1812 June 5. Addressed to Charles Ludlow. Good. Some spotty occasional foxing. Writing "Office of the Trustees" at upper right, Burrall sends notice that "The Board of Agents are requested to meet this day at 1 o'Clock...."
Price: $125.00

6. (COLONIAL LEDGER SHEET). Partly-Printed Document (unsigned).
Partly-printed DS, 2pp, 8½" X 10½", n.p., 1799 February-March. Very good. Sheet, printed recto and verso in black and red, for sorting and recording household expenses. The categories, running alphabetically down the left margin, begin with "Beer and Cyder" and include such items as "Candles," "Garden-Stuff," "Malt and Hops," "Rum and Brandy," "Servants Wages" and other necessities. The Monday column only on both sides has been filled in with pound and shilling amounts -- apparently this must have been market day at this particular household -- and the week's expenses (14 pounds one week, 11 pound 2 shilling 10 pence the next) tallied at the bottom. A fascinating peek at colonial American home economics.
Price: $85.00

7. COOPER, John (1729-85). Document Signed.
New Jersey delegate to the Provincial Congress and Continental Congress (absentee). DS, 1p, 8¼" X 13", Gloucester County, NJ, 1782 December 12. Very good. Slight age toning; neatly inlaid. As judge of the pleas for Gloucester County, Cooper issues a summons to witnesses Joseph Illis and Samuel Hugg, "members of the General Assembly of New Jersey," to appear in the case of William Harrison vs. Charles Sexton. Also signed by WILLIAM HARRISON (ca. 1730-ca. 1784), a militia captain in the Revolutionary War.
Price: $225.00

8. DUANE, James (1733-97). Document Signed.
This New York revolutionary leader and jurist served in the first Continental Congress (1774, until 1783) and helped draft the colonists' statement of rights; he also served as New York attorney general (1767) and as state senator (1783-90); appointed mayor of New York in 1784, he served until 1789; Washington appointed him first judge of the U.S. District Court for New York. DS, 1p, 8" X 11 3/4", New York, NY, 1787 March 16. Good. Some edgewear and age toning, with mild dampstaining visible. Legal document in which one Sayrs Crane acts as "Assignee of the Estate of John Walker an Insolvent Debtor lately confined in the Goal of the City of New York." Crane lists "two Several Laws of the Legislature of the State of New York" both intended "for the relief of Insolvent Debtors within this state" and "Swear[s] that [he] will Justly truly faithfully and impartially without any favour or Affection perform do and execute the Trust reposed in me... for the Best Benefit and Advantage of... the Creditors of the said John Walker...." -- in other words, he will divvy up any assets of the deceased debtor among his creditors. Signed boldly by Crane at the conclusion, and signed by Duane at lower left along with his title of "Mayor." This intriguing piece has been double matted in dark grey and burgundy alongside a 4" X 5½" 19th century steel engraved portrait of Duane. The whole has been attractively framed in an ornate 1" cherry-finish frame (overall dimensions 19½" X 17¼).
Price: $375.00

9. FORREST, Uriah (1756-1805). Signature.
This colonel in the American Revolution was wounded at Germantown and lost a leg at the Battle of Brandywine; later he served in the Continental Congress (1786-87, 1793-95). Clipped signature, 2 3/4" X ½" (tipped to slightly larger blue sheet), n.p., n.y. Very good. Slight age toning. An attractive example, and rather uncommon.
Price: $50.00

10. GELSTON, David (1744-1828). Autograph Note Signed.
This Revolutionary War patriot served New York as delegate to the Second, Third and Fourth Provincial Congresses; signer of the Articles of Association (1775); member of the last Continental Congress. ANS, 1p, 7¼" X 3½", n.p., 1820 May 8. Very good. Lightly tipped to an 8" X 10" album leaf (with slight glue show-through) below a small, charming steel-engraved profile portrait of Gelston. "Your letter of the 4th I have received," he writes. "The above is all the information I can give you...." Large bold signature. Rather scarce.
Price: $200.00

11. GIBAULT, Pierre (1737-1804). Autograph Note Signed.
Vicar-general of Illinois mission country (1769-90); after Clark's capture of Kaskaskia (1778) he encouraged French settlers to assist the American cause. ANS in French, 1p, 2 3/4" X 1 3/4", Ft. Vincennes, IN, 1786 June 24. Very good. Normal age toning. Receipt "Good for one jug of whiskey." With second ANS "Mr. Gibault," 1p, 4 3/4" X 2¼", n.p., n.d. Very good. Receipt listing several dates, December 24 through January 7, on which Gibault traded bushels of corn for whiskey, cider or brandy. Scarce. The pair.
Price: $625.00

12. HALL, Fitch (1759-1841). Autograph Letter Signed.
Businessman, son of reknowned Medford (Massachusetts) rum manufacturer Benjamin Hall (1731-1817), who "more than any other individual, brought Medford to its first great period of prosperity (1750-1800) and daringly led the small community through the perils of the Revolution," almost bankrupting himself in the process. Fascinating ALS, 2pp + integral address leaf, 8" X 9½", New York, NY, 1797 April 27. Addressed to his father, Benjamin Hall (1731-1817). Very good. Mild overall age toning (more to outer address panel). Intriguing letter regarding some unnamed "great discovery." Reads in part: "...it is thought a great discovery both there [Philadelphia] & here, I had an application for the right in some of the Western Counties in Virginia.... I have also had some applications here, but I have concluded not to dispose of any part of it until it is brought to perfection, the more I reflect on it the better I think of it...." Goes on to discuss difficulties with a Mr. Brasher, apparently an investor owing Hall five thousand dollars. "I suppose that Cash might be rais'd here from the patent but it must be by making a great sacrifice, the person who advancing would expect a certain proportion of the patent, which nothing but absolute necessity would induce me to do" -- and here Hall's ultimate sales pitch -- "I am willing to sell a proportion to you which shall be equal to your advances, & which shall be a very handsome profit... if you do not think the patent an object I will put security into your hands to the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars...." It seems likely that Fitch Hall was an early and enthusiastic capitalist promoting the steam engine of SAMUEL MOREY (1762-1843), the American inventor who constructed some of the earliest steam propelled ships and in 1795 was issued a patent for a steam engine. In 1797 Morey built a craft in New Jersey that placed a paddle wheel on each side of the boat. This boat was exhibited in Philadelphia, where Fitch Hall had just been visiting before writing his father ("I arriv'd here from Philadelphia on Saturday Evening," this letter opens). According to one source, "arrangements were made with certain capitalists for the construction and practical operation of large steamboats, but financial distress overtook those interested before they could execute their plans." Fitch Hall, it is our belief, was one of those very capitalists, and this letter represents a rare glimpse into one of the earliest fundraising efforts for Samuel Morey's steamboat. Most unusual and interesting.
Price: $495.00

13. HARPUR, Robert (1731-1825). Document Signed.
This Revolutionary War patriot and New York legislator was a librarian and professor mathematics at King's College (now Columbia University) from 1761 to 1775; from 1777 to 1784 he was a member of the New York Assembly, and from 1778 to 1795 was Deputy Secretary of State. DS, 4pp (2 leaves), 7½" X 12½", New York, NY, 1786 January 27. Very good. Mild age toning; a few small, minor vintage archival tape reinforcements along some folds. This delightful document consists of a 2-page transcript of a 1693 legal land description, a 1-page survey map of this same tract, and a statement testifying to the need for and veracity of this transcript signed by Harpur: "In page 1, the 12th line, there is a Blank left, and in the 30th line a smaller Blank denoting that the original at those two places, (and also in line 32 of same page where after mar is another small Blank) cannot be read owing to the decay of the paper -- Those three Blanks being thus noted I certify the aforegoing Return of Survey and Map to be true Copies of their respective Originals filed in the Secretarys Office of the State of New York Examined and Compared therewith...." Boldly signed "By me" with large signature and title ("D. Secry."). The land tract in question concerns WILLIAM "TANGIER" SMITH (1655-1705), English-born mayor of Tangier, Morocco, later an early Long Island settler and famed land speculator. Titled "Pursuant to his Excelly The Governours Warrant bearing Date ye. 19th of this Instant September 1693," these detailed two pages describe the perimeters of a large piece of land in what is now Brookhaven Town, a survey performed by the Surveyor-General of the Province, Augustus Graham. The history of this tract is as follows: On May 25, 1691 Smith purchased a huge piece of land from John Mayhew, a local Indian who'd adopted an English name and leader of the Unkechaug Nation, between the Mastic River to the east, the Connecticut River to the west, the Bay to the south and "Country Road" (today called "Middle Country Road") to the north. On October 9, 1693 Governor Benjamin Fletcher granted Smith a patent for this land, which became the Manor of St. George. (Fletcher was later charged with bestowing excessive land grants.) This document, then, is an 18th century copy of the original 17th century survey that Smith commissioned after receiving Fletcher's official land grant. A remarkable, provocative item regarding a controversial Indian land acquisition.
Price: $1,750.00

14. HEMSLEY, William (1737-1812). Autograph Letter Signed.
This prominent plantation owner served as a colonel of the militia in Queen Anne's County during the Revolutionary War; he served Maryland in the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783 and again from 1786 to 1789; he was also a member of the Maryland Convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788. ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 8" X 12", Talbot Court House, MD, 1786 May 16. Addressed to Thomas Ringgold Tilghman (1765-89), a well-known Baltimore merchant and younger brother of George Washington's aide-de-camp, Tench Tilghman. "I wrote you this Morning to send me a Case of Claret, Since which I find I can get close by home, therefore if you have not bought before you receive this you need not do it." Then a cryptic "What I wrote you abt Mr. Sharpes giving 23/ is I believe false, for I cannot find out that he has certainly done it, therefore suppose its [ ? ] of the planter...." Signed large and bold as "Genl. Wm. Hemsley" -- presumably an honorary or brevet ranking of general, since records cite him as a colonel. A handsome example of this uncommon autograph.
Price: $295.00

15. HUNTER, Robert (1664-1734). Document Signed.
The colonial governor of New York and New Jersey (1710-20) had earlier been lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony (1707-09) and later served as governor of Jamaica (1728-34). DS, 1p, 12½" X 16½", Chesterfield, New Jersey, 1716 January 26. Good only. Jagged and irregular edges (not affecting text), with entire left and right edges bearing old archival reinforcement; three original horizontal folds, the upper two of which bear the same old archival reinforcement. Overall bold and legible, though, penned in brown ink in a large flamboyant hand. "An Act To Prevent Unseasonable burning the Woods," it is titled in oversize script. "Whereas by Continual Experience fireing the Woods in the fall and winter is found very Prejudicial and Dangerous to the Inhabitants of this Province Be it therfore Enacted by the Governour Councill and Representatives in General Assembly met and Convened and by the authority of the same That if any person fire the woods at any time whatsoever Excepting between the fourteenth day of February and the fourteenth day of Aprile next following of every year shall forfeit the sum of fourty shillings Proclamation money for every such offense...." Goes on to spell out additional penalties should anyone be injured during a burning, and specifies that this act does not apply to burning wood on one's own land. At lower left is penned the place and date and "I assent to this bill Enacting the same and order it to be Enrolled," below which Hunter signs large and bold. At lower right this bill is countersigned on behalf of the legislature by JOHN KINSEY (1693-1750). Kinsey was speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, and later moved to Philadelphia and held the same position with the Pennsylvania Assembly, where he led the Quaker faction; he later served as chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Here he signs large and bold, adding "Spkr" (Speaker) after his signature (largely obscured by archival repair). Among the dockets on the verso, the lead docket reads "Du Jours 27 1716 This bill having been three times read is past & ordered to be sent up to the Councill for their Concurrence," and is boldly signed "Will Bradford," followed by what appears to be a title in a stylized script, perhaps reading "CP" -- Councill Printer? WILLIAM BRADFORD (1663-1752) was the pioneering printed of the middle Colonies; he was named the King's Printer in 1693 and held that post until 1725, monopolizing the printing of all government acts and documents; he opened the first paper mill in America in 1690, printed the first New York paper currency in 1709, the first American "Book of Common Prayer" in 1719, the first newspaper in New York in 1725 and the first history of New York in 1727. The purpose of Bradford's docket here is unclear. Perhaps the procedure was to docket each of the three official readings of a proposed act before the legislature, as appears here -- at which time the act would be signed into law and passed along to Bradford. His docket would verify that the act had been transmitted to the official printer for setting into type. There are no official seals, stamps or blind embossing of any kind on this document, which suggests it was a file copy of some sort -- perhaps a copy retained by the printer himself -- and not an official legislative copy. Hunter documents are uncommon, and this interesting piece bears an exceptionally large and bold signature. Bradford documents are extremely scarce in any form, and this is a choice, highly desirable example.
Price: $3,750.00

16. LAURANCE, John (1750-1810). Autograph Note Signed.
As judge advocate-general on Washington's staff, Laurance conducted the trial martial of Major John Andre, the British spy who acted as Benedict Arnold's contact in the attempted sale of West Point; represented New York at First and Second Congresses; senator (1796-1800). ANS, 1p, 8" X 8½", Newark, NJ, 1805 July 24. Addressed to George Simpson, cashier of the Bank of the United States. Near fine. Brief, cryptic note: "Be pleased to place the above to my credit," followed by handsome salutation and bold signature. What "the above" refers to is, alas, a mystery. A clean and attractive example of this seldom seen autograph.
Price: $395.00

17. LEAR, Benjamin Lincoln (1791-1832). Autograph Manuscript Signed.
The only child of George Washington's long-time personal secretary Tobias Lear was actually born in the early "White House" in Philadelphia, and Washington was his godfather; his mother died when he was two (Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were among her pallbearers), and he went on to become a successful attorney in Washington, DC; Gilbert Stuart painted a well-known portrait of him. Outstanding AMS, 2pp (recto and verso), 7 3/4" X 12 3/4", Portsmouth, NH, 1817 August 20. Very good. Three light horizontal original folds; mild age toning and slight edgewear. This attractively and boldly penned document is titled "Christmas Hymn," and contains the full text of a Christmas song whose original we have not been able to determine. Begins, "Hail holy morn, upon whose beams / A thousand radiant Seraphs rode, / Bright from the Sapphire throne of God. / Bursting upon the Shepherd's dreams.- / While poised upon the glittering wing, / A thousand choral voices sing, / Glad tidings of great joy we bring, / Be peace proclaimed on Earth / And Heaven's high arch with rapture ring...." Goes on for several more stanzas, closing with: "Thus for the gift that thou hast given, / Hereafter we shall learn to rain / On days of everlasting Praise, / Tun'd to the Gold en Harps of Heaven." He then concludes, "Written from recollection for my Dear Cousin Miss Mary Storer," boldly dated and signed. Storer was the given name of Lear's mother, Mary "Polly" Lear (the first of Tobias Lear's three wives), who was related to the Washington family. There were a great many prominent Storers in early Portsmouth history, among them a Mary Storer born around 1785, who might well have been the recipient of this keepsake. Whether Lear's "recollection" of this hymn refers to him recalling a hymn he himself had written years before or to a hymn written by another is not clear, and certainly warrants further research. A most unusual and extremely interesting document.
Price: $1,750.00

18. LOW, Nicholas (1739-1826). Document Signed.
Famed New York merchant, state legislator and Revolutionary War patriot -- unlike his Continental Congressman brother Isaac, a Tory who "crossed over" to the British in 1776. Vellum DS, 1p, 22½" X 19", New York, NY, 1800 January 1. Very good. Folds strong, but no separations; Low's signature somewhat light but fully legible. Land conveyance in which Low and his wife Alice, on behalf of the estate of one John Leake, transfer ownership of seven parcels of land in New Hampshire totaling 3500 acres to New York merchant William Wallace. Signed alongside red wax seals. A large, handsome and interesting piece.
Price: $300.00

19. MERCER, John Francis (1759-1831). Signature.
Thomas Jefferson's friend was a colonel in the Revolutionary War (aide-de-camp to General Lee), then served as a Virginia representative (1782-85); he attended the 1787 Constitutional Convention as a Maryland delegate, where he spoke out against the centralized character of the constitution and voted against its ratification; he served as a Maryland representative (1791-94) and governor (1801-03). Bold, handsome clipped signature, 2¼" X 1" (tipped to slightly larger blue album leaf), n.p., n.y. Very good. Mild age toning. Accompanied by a lovely 6¼" X 9" etched portrait of Mercer (1888).
Price: $100.00

20. NORRIS, Isaac (1671-1735). Document Signed.
This English-born Philadelphia merchant was one of its wealthiest; in 1707 he became aid to William Penn; later elected to the governor's council and named speaker of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly; in 1724 he was elected mayor of Philadelphia. Partly-printed Document Signed, 1p, 7½" X 11 3/4", n.p., 1699 December 6. Good only. Heavily age toned and a bit discolored throughout, rather delicate and with somewhat worn and irregular edges -- but boldly printed and fully and easily legible. Printed letter of attorney granting "my trusty and loving Friend Joseph Kirkbride of Bucks County, Yeoman my true and lawfull Attorney" the right "to ask, demand, sue for, levy, recover and receive all such Sum and Sums of Money, Debts, Goods, Wares, Dues, Accounts, and other Demands" from one "Joseph Chorley of ye County of Bucks aforesd." Signed boldly by Norris at the conclusion and also once in the text ("I Isaac Norris of Philad:a Shopkeeper"), with handwritten portions also in Norris's hand. Diamond-shaped paper seal after Norris's signature present and intact. At lower left signed by witnesses Seth Hill and Abraham Decow. This form document was possibly printed by WILLIAM BRADFORD (1663-1752), the pioneering printed of the middle Colonies; he was named the King's Printer in 1693 and held that post until 1725, monopolizing the printing of all government acts and documents; he opened the first paper mill in America in 1690, printed the first New York paper currency in 1709, the first American "Book of Common Prayer" in 1719, the first newspaper in New York in 1725 and the first history of New York in 1727. The third page of this 4-page lettersheet bears a scrawled list of payments under the heading "Recd of Jas Kirke," recording amounts paid in "English old English mony," "Bills," "Dollars," etc., along with other calculations. Despite rather rough condition, this is an exceptionally early and interesting colonial piece -- with a likely link to the famed colonial printer.
Price: $975.00

21. ODELL, Jonathan (1737-1818). Document Signed.
This New Jersey-born British army surgeon turned Anglican priest remained a loyalist, penning anti-American verses and mediating between Benedict Arnold and the British headquarters in New York (1779-80); from 1784 to 1812 he served as clerk and registrar of the New Brunswick province. Vellum DS, 1p, 12" X 11", New Brunswick, Canada, n.d. Poor. Definitely a filler piece only, being heavily age toned, with faded text, spotted and worn -- but bearing a not unattractive, easily legible "By His Excellency's Command / Jon'n. Odell" at lower right. Quite possibly a land deed, though the text is so faded that only a word or phrase here and there can be deciphered. Pencilled identification on the verso in the hand of noted autograph dealer Charles Hamilton. An uncommon colonial figure, priced accordingly. For a document that looks like it went through the washing machine (delicate cycle), a passable example. Aged like a phony Hollywood treasure map!
Price: $95.00

22. STRONG, Caleb (1745-1819). Document Signed.
This Massachusetts statesman helped draft the state constitution in 1779 and was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787; he was one of the first two senators from Massachusetts (1789-96), and twice served as that state's governor (1800-07, 1812-16). Partly-printed DS, 1p, 15½" X 10", Massachusetts, 1814 May 18. Good. Moderately age toned, with a few foxing spots; 6½" old scotch tape stain visible on recto, and couple of weak folds bear old reinforcements on verso. Circular flute-edged paper state seal present and attractive at upper left; below this Strong signs, bold and nice. Governor Strong appoints Gibbins Adams a quartermaster in the second brigade and second division of the First Infantry Regiment of the state militia. Accompanied by an early, oval stipple-point engraved portrait of Strong. Despite flaws, a rather attractive and uncommon item.
Price: $175.00

23. STRONG, Caleb (1745-1819). Document Signed.
This Massachusetts statesman helped draft the state constitution in 1779 and was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787; he was one of the first two senators from Massachusetts (1789-96) and twice served as that state's governor (1800-07, 1812-16). Partly-printed DS, 1p, 9" X 14½", Boston, Massachusetts, 1804 January 20. Near fine. Lightest of age toning. Circular flute-edged paper state seal present and attractive at upper left; below this Strong signs, bold and nice. Docketing on verso. Governor Strong names Josiah Little a justice of the peace for Essex County. Quite attractive.
Price: $195.00

24. TUCKER, Thomas T. (1745-1828). Free-Franked Signature.
Revolutionary War soldier, later a member of the Continental Congress (1787-88); U.S. treasurer (1801-28). Clipped Free-Franked Signature, 2 3/4" X 3/4" (tipped to slightly larger yellow sheet), n.p., n.d. Very good. Slight age toning. Handsome "free Th. T. Tucker." Rather uncommon.
Price: $75.00

25. VIGO, Francis (1747-1836). Document Signed.
Legendary, mysterious Italian-born pioneer fur trader of the Old Northwest; assisted his friend George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War. Partly-printed DS "Vigo," retained copy, 1p, 13" X 15½", Knox County, IN, 1810 June 19. Good. Average age toning. Some weak folds archivally mended on verso. Indenture made "Between Francis Vigo and Elizabeth his wife of the County of Knox and Indiana Territory... And Christian Grater... of the same place" for "that lott of Land Laying in the Town of Vincennes containing twenty five Foises Square...." Signed at the bottom by Vigo and ELIZABETH VIGO (daughter of George Rogers Clark's quartermaster) and again on the verso by Vigo, who acknowledges the sale paid. Vigo is rare in any form.
Price: $950.00

26. WATSON, Elkanah (1758-1842). Autograph Letter Signed.
This noted merchant, land speculator, canal and agricultural promoter and businessman began as a Revolutionary War patriot who acted as courier for George Washington and others; in 1779 he was sent to France with dispatches for Benjamin Franklin; by 1789 he was an Albany businessman and one of the founders of the Bank of Albany; in 1791, together with Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Stephen Bayard and Philip Van Cordtlandt, he explored western New York to purchase land and explore the idea of a canal connecting the Hudson River with Lake Erie -- making him one of the originators of the idea of the Erie Canal. ALS, 2pp, 7½" X 12½", New York, NY, 1798 June 22. Addressed to "Dear friend" -- Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (1738-1810) of the influential Van Rensselaer family, a New York representative, president of the Bank of Albany from 1798-1806, lieutenant governor from 1801-04. Very good. Light age toning. Superb content, mainly concerning various financial matters. In part: " I know you have no Confidence in Perkins Points -- But Our Old [ ? ] has no Rest without their Aid every Evng. -- this is proof in Point -- So let me advise you to borrow a Set -- & have yourself Well Stroked.... The Ill Natured Mac Grigor has absolutely Refused to pay Nobles draft. But I am happy to add, Mr. Noble will be with you Next Week & will positively pay it. I am distressed to Death for Mony -- Mony -- & if I Could git the House off my Hands, I Should Risk Seriously of Quitting Here -- What think you of Hudson -- or Poughkipsie?" Intriguing, if cryptic: "Those best acquainted I find Viced [vexed?] with the utmost horror at impending Fate -- GOD only knows -- but we deserve & will surely be Severely Chastised -- Let me beg you will Still keep my old friend Richard the Prophet in Sight -- compare events & appearances with his predictions...." Fascinating if at times cryptic -- worthy of further research. Very scarce.
Price: $695.00

27. WILLARD, Josiah (?-?). Autograph Note Signed.
Long-time secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, succeeded in 1756 by future Massachusetts lieutenant-governor Andrew Oliver. ANS, 1p, 7½" X 12¼", Boston, MA, 1738 October 8. Addressed to Richard Waldron (1694-1753), secretary of the Province of New Hampshire. Near fine. Mild even age toning; small (¼" X 3/4") paper loss at center of bottom edge from wax seal removal, far removed from letter text. Cryptic bureaucratic matter from the secretary of one venerated old colony to the secretary of another old colony, handsomely penned in brown ink in an archaic but legible and easily readable script that bears a close resemble to the secretarial hand of Shakespeare's day. Reads: "Mr. Welles, at the Desire of the Governr. & Council, undertook to write to you for a Duplicate of the Papers you last sent referring to the Line, to be Certified under the Seal of your Province; but they not being yet arrived here, I am afraid he has neglected it; And therefore, I must entreat you to give that Matter a quick Disspatch: And if you will please to send your Acct. of the Charge it will be allowed you...." In other words, colonial red tape. Boldly signed "J. Willard." Address portion on verso penned in a different, flamboyant hand. Quite attractive.
Price: $300.00

28. YATES, Peter W. (1747-1826). Autograph Endorsement Signed
Albany political leader, elected to the Continental Congress in 1786. AES, 2pp, 8" X 3½", n.p., n.y. Very good. Minor age toning. Two partial leafs from a legal document, still bound together with original ribbon, the top leaf of which bears Yates' bold, attractive endorsement: "Sealed and delivered / In the Presence of us / Peter W. Yates." The partial text portions, in another hand, are legalese of the highest, most archaic and convoluted sort, but would appear to relate to the settlement of an estate. Interesting and uncommon.
Price: $100.00

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