CHARLES
PARKHURST RARE BOOKS, Inc.
RARE AND COLLECTIBLE BOOKS
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Continental Congress EXTRACTS FROM THE VOTES AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA ON THE 5th OF SEPTEMBER 1774
Containing the Bill of Rights, a List of Grievances, Occasional Resolves,....New London By Order
of Congress, Timothy Green, Printer 1774, 16pp., bound in original plain wrappers. Perhaps the most
important document of the American Revolution, which condenses the most significant proceedings of
the First Continental Congress between Sept. 5 and Oct. 26, 1774. These EXTRACTS were published
first in Philadelphia, while congress was still sitting (in 1774). The Bradfords printed several
editions in October, the first with the date of Oct. 24th in the imprint line, and two others with
Oct. 27th in the imprint line. The present copy is a later issue, printed in the same year (1774).
Printings were authorized that year in Annapolis, Hartford, New York, Newport, Norwich, Providence
and Williamsburg. This important document was printed by Timothy Green, who also printed the
Declaration of Independence. (Howes E247) [pb.0470]
$7,200.00
Quincy, Josiah. AN ORATION, DELIVERED ON TUESDAY, THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1826. Boston: True
and Greene, 1826. Octavo. FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED by Josiah Quincy, on the title
page, It being the fiftieth anniversary of American Independence, before the
Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth, and the City Council and Inhabitants of
the City of Boston. 30 pages, in a recent 3/4 leather binding, new endpapers,
top edge of recipient's name is shaved. Josiah Quincy (b. Braintree, now
Quincy, MA, 1772; died Boston, 1864). Educator, politician and municipal
reformer; Congressman, Federalist from MA (1805-13). Quincy was Mayor of Boston,
1823-2 and President of Harvard, 1829-1845. He was author of a number of books,
most notably, "The History of Harvard University" (1840) [Sabin 67230] [pb.0268]
$350.00
SIGNERS OF
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND
THE CONSTITUTION
Thomas Hayward
Thomas Hayward (1746-1809).
Planter, jurist, revolutionary soldier and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from South Carolina. Partially printed document signed “Thos.
Hayward Junr.” One page,13” x 8” dated July 5, 1785,
being a summons for Thomas Serven and James Fogartie, executors of the last
will & testament of John Garden…to be and appear before the
Justices………….Docketed on verso by the sheriff that the order had been
carried out. Very good, small hole in one letter of signature.
An officer in the Revolutionary War, Thomas Hayward was captured by the British in 1780. His slaves were then sold to sugar planters in Jamaica.
$4500
Joseph Hewes
Joseph Hewes (1730-1779). Executive head of the Continental Navy, merchant, member of the Continental Congress (1774-1777 and 1779) and signer of the Declaration of Independence from North Carolina. Document signed twice, as Justice of the Peace, one page, 8” x 13”Chowan County, Nov. 24, 1773. Legal document in the case of The King v. Thomas Hoskins, ordering any officer of the law to apprehend Hoskins on charges of assault and endangerment of bodily harm brought by Joseph Blount of Edenton. Boldly signed in the text and again at ending, with paragraph, beside red wax seal; docketed on verso. Laid paper, browned with a mottled effect; partial separation at some folds. Overall, a very good example of a rare signer.
Joseph Hewes was a member of the committee on claims (1776) and he was virtually the first secretary of the Navy. He assisted General Washington in planning military operations.
$6000
Elbridge Gerry
Elbridge Gerry
(1744-1814). Graduated Harvard in 1762, Governor of Massachusetts 1810-1812,
“Gerrymandering” was named for him; elected Vice President under James
Madison and signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of
Confederation, from Massachusetts. Gerry died in a coach on his way to the
Senate, as Vice President under James Madison. Partially printed document
signed on August 12, 1811, appointing Benjamin McKindry a Captain in the
2nd Regiment of Infantry. Partially toned; signature is large
and bold; center fold is starting; overall, very good.
$1400
Samuel Huntington
Samuel Huntington
(1731-1796) [& Roger Sherman]. Jurist, legislator, member of the Continental
Congress (1775-1784), President of the Continental Congress (1779-1781),
Governor of Connecticut (1786-1796), and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Connecticut. Manuscript court document, signed in 1769,
one page, 12” x 15”.Several important Revolutionary leaders have also
signed this document: Three Connecticut governors, Trumbull, Griswold and
Huntington; the Chief Justice of Connecticut, Dyer; and Roger Sherman,
also a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the only signer to have
signed all four of the founding documents (the Articles of Association,
the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the
Constitution). Docketed on verso; very good to fine.
$1500
John Morton
John Morton (1724-1777).
Surveyor, farmer, jurist, member of the Continental Congress (1774-1777) and
signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania. Colonial note
signed “John Morton” 3” x 3 ½” April 3, 1772, eighteen pence;
printed by D. Hall and W. Sellers. browned, very good.
$750
George Ross
George Ross (1730-1779).
Jurist and signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania.
Manuscript document signed “G: Ross” with peraph, one page, 8” x 12”
February, 1757; Lancaster County. Lightly toned, Japanese paper
repair to center fold, not affecting signature.
$1500
Philip Livingston
Philip
Livingston (1716-1778). Revolutionary patriot, member of the Continental
Congress (1774-1778), graduated Yale in 1737 and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from New York. Manuscript document signed “Ph: Livingston” on
obverse; one page, 7 ½” x 5 ¼” being a bill for various building materials; May
1, 1769.
light toning, list is fading, but signature is clear and bold; small
repair to edge; very good.
$1250
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Rush (1745-1813).
Physician, author, Revolutionary patriot, Graduate of College of New Jersey
(Princeton) 1760, treasurer of the U. S. Mint (1797-1813) and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania. Autograph document signed “Dr.
B Rush” in the third person, one page, 6 ½” x 4 ½” May 4, 1801;
a fine example, boldly written, being a receipt for rent. Provenance: from the
Henry E. Luhrs collection.
$2500
Richard Stockton
Richard Stockton
(1730-1781). Lawyer, Revolutionary patriot, graduate of College of New Jersey
(Princeton) 1748, member of the Continental Congress and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Stockton was captured by the
British and imprisoned at Perth Amboy and New York; he was released in poor
health and remained an invalid until his death in 1781. Autograph document
signed “Rich Stockton” and signed in full in the body (third person); two
pages, 7” x 12” April Term [1766]; being a legal document by Stockton as
attorney for the plaintiff; very good, split at the middle fold.
Provenance: from the Henry E. Luhrs collection.
$7000
Caesar Rodney
Caesar Rodney (1728-1784).
Statesman, jurist, member of the Continental Congress, Brigadier General of the
Kent County militia, recruiter of troops for Washington’s army and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from Delaware. Autograph letter signed “Caesar
Rodney” to his brother Thomas Rodney; an interesting letter concerning
important family matters. One page 7 ½”x 12 ½” Dover, June 7, 1773.
A very good, well written letter, with a minor repair on right edge, not
affecting text. Provenance: from the Henry E. Luhrs collection.
Thomas Rodney (1744-1811). Jurist, farmer, Revolutionary soldier and brother of Caesar Rodney, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Rodney also served as a supreme court judge of Delaware (1802-1803) and as U. S. Judge for the Mississippi Territory (1803-1811).
$4500
Edward Rutledge
Edward Rutledge
(1749-1800). Governor of South Carolina (1798- 1800), member of the
Continental Congress (1774-1777), and the youngest man to sign the Declaration
of Independence. He was prisoner, by the British, at the fall of Charleston in
1780, but was exchanged in time to take his seat in the legislature in January
1782. Manuscript document signed, “Ed: Rutledge / Pltfs Atty.” one page, 12 ½” x
8” being the lower portion of a document of a Charleston
District court case involving George Dickinson and William R. Davis. John
Rutledge (1739-1800) was Edward’s older brother and signs as Chief Justice.
Very good, with one fold starting; signature is bold.
$3600
William Ellery
William Ellery (1727-1820).
Collector of Customs at Newport
(1790-1820), lawyer, politician and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Rhode Island; grandfather of Richard H. Dana. Document
signed “William Ellery C. L. O.” one page, 15” x 3 ¼”. Document
concerns interest due on a loan to William Burgess on behalf of the Loan
Office. The fourteen column document lists two names, amount of loan,
interest due and a date of January 1,
1787. Boldly signed by Ellery, lightly
browned, a few vertical folds; very good.
$750
George Clymer
[Signer; Declaration and Constitution]
George Clymer
(1739-1813). Founder and President of the Bank of Philadelphia, merchant,
member of Congress, signer of the Constitution and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Pennsylvania. Partly printed document signed “Geo. Clymer”
one page, 7 ¾” x 6 ½” dated March 2, 1789. Payment voucher for forty pounds ten
schillings as payment to Clymer for 54 days of service as a member of the
Assembly; signed in ink by Clymer on the verso. Lightly toned, one fold
starting, but very good.
$800
William Williams
William Williams
(1731-1811). Graduated Harvard in 1751, businessman, patriot and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from Connecticut. Autograph document signed “Wm.
Williams” one page, 9” x 13” dated April 4, 1785. The present legal
document is regarding common land: “We the subscribers bring by the
proprietors of the common (sic) undivided lands, in Lebanon, appointed a
committee and agents to sue, and prosecute to final judgement and execution,
all persons who have committed any trespass on such common land……” Damp
stain in lower left, not affecting signature, lightly toned, wear at folds;
overall very good, with a fine, bold signature.
$1200
Thomas Stone
Thomas Stone
(1743-1787). Lawyer, planter, legislator, member of the Continental Congress
(1775-1778) and signer of the Declaration of Independence from
Maryland. Document signed “T. Stone” one page, 7 ½” x 6 ½” mounted and dated
April 23, 1777; occasional browning with fold through signature,
affecting the letter “n” in signature. Provenance: from the Henry E. Luhrs collection.
$7500
John Hart
John Hart (1711-1779).
Farmer, member of the New Jersey Assembly, member of the Continental Congress
and signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. His farm and
home were destroyed by the British, during the war. Colonial currency, 18 pence
note, New Jersey, March 25, 1776, signed “John Hart” 4” x 2 ¼” fine, with a fine
signature in brown ink.
$2500
Francis
Hopkinson
TO CLEMENT
BIDDLE, AIDE TO WASHINGTON & GREENE
Francis Hopkinson
(1737-1791). Judge, author, statesman, musician and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Elected to the Continental
Congress in 1776; contributed poetry to the American Magazine and to others.
Important autograph letter signed to Clement Biddle, one page, May 2, 1785,
Philadelphia, 7 ½’ X 9”. The text follows:
“In the Cause Davis All against the Sloop Fair Trader, the respondent having paid into Court the debt and Costs, (except only your Costs & Charges) you are hereby required to deliver the said sloop to Thomas Unthank the Commander, with her tackel (sic) apparel & Furniture upon his paying you your legal costs & Charges arising from your attachment of the sloop aforesaid.”
Clement Biddle (1740-1814). Merchant, Revolutionary soldier, an aide and friend to Greene and Washington.
Slightly browned, mounting remnants on verso; signature is large and bold.
$2400
Charles Carroll
Charles Carroll
(1736-1832). Member of the Continental Congress (1776-1778), U. S. Senator, an
original director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and signer of the Declaration
of Independence from Maryland. Carroll was educated locally (in Maryland) by the
Society of Jesus and in their colleges at St. Omer, Flanders, Rheims
and Paris and he studied law in London. It was said that Carroll was the
wealthiest man in America
in the early 1800’s. Autograph letter signed “Ch. Carroll of Carrollton” one
page, n.p. January 8, 1825; 8” x 9 ¾”. A well written and interesting
letter about business matters, to William Gibbons; in part:
“In your letter of 31st Dec’r. you write in speaking of the wheat sold by Hitchcock from the Folly ‘one part of it you have in the Folly accounts I gave you, & the balance $106.17 since received has been applied to the purchase of 2 horses which cost $126’ - I do not remember your having given me any account above mentioned I think your are mistaken…..” [The Folly was a farm near Baltimore].
A very good example of Carroll’s day to day business dealings and a fine example of his signature.
$3200
Abraham Clark
Abraham Clark (1726-1794).
Farmer, lawyer, surveyor and signer of the Declaration of Independence from
New Jersey. Member of the New Jersey provincial congress (1775); member of
the Continental Congress (1776); U. S. Congress (1791-1794). Manuscript
document signed “Honest / Abra. Clark” on verso; one page 7 ½” x 6” Essex County, (NJ), June 30, 1766; being a
summons to Thomas Ball to answer a suit concerning “thirty pounds current money
of New Jersey.” A couple of old tape stains, signature was excised, then
re-positioned with archival tape (watermarks align). 80% of verso is silked;
silking has been removed from the area of the signature. Overall, a very good
example of a quite scarce clipped signature, laid into the original document.
$2500
William Floyd
William Floyd (1734-1821).
Landowner and signer of the Declaration of Independence from New York.
Member of the Continental Congress (1774-1777 and 1778-1783); member of the U.
S. Congress (1789-1791)Document signed “Wm Floyd” one page, 8” x 5” May 4, 1805;
Floyd has written in the text, “full for Rent to the.” A few pinholes along a
fold, not affecting text; a rent receipt with a fine, bold signature.
$3600
Robert Morris
[Signer Declaration & Constitution]
Robert Morris writes to
fellow financier John Nicholson
Robert Morris (1734-1806).
Financier of the American Revolution and signer of the Declaration
of Independence from Pennsylvania. Morris’ public career began in 1765
when he signed the no importation agreement, opposing the
Stamp Act. He signed the Declaration of Independence in August,
1776, after initially disapproving it. When Congress fled Philadelphia
in December, 1776, Morris remained to raise money and buy
supplies for Washington’s army, thus enabling America’s independence. He
assumed responsibility for purchasing all supplies for the army,
using notes which circulated upon his own credit. Morris then
resigned in September 1784, after financing the victorious Yorktown
campaign. He was attacked by Thomas Paine for improper financial
deeds in public office, but was acquitted by a congressional committee.
Land speculation caused his finances to collapse and a small
creditor had him sent to debtor’s prison in Philadelphia, from February
1798 until August 1801. He died in poverty and obscurity. Autograph letter signed “R
Morris” one page, 4 ½” x 7” November 7, 1797, commenting on the
European revolutionary wars. A fine and interesting letter,
written to John Nicholson, Morris’ partner in a number of land companies,
which helped to finance and settle much of western Pennsylvania. John Nicholson (b. ?, d.
1800). Financier and land promoter; business partner with signer Robert
Morris. Like Morris, Nicholson was caught in the financial crisis of
1795 and was confined in debtor’s prison in 1800.
$3600
Arthur Middleton
Arthur Middleton
(1742-1787). Revolutionary patriot, member of the South Carolina Assembly,
member of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration
of Independence from South Carolina. Read law at the Middle Temple in
London. Autograph letter signed
“Middleton” one page, 4 ½” x 7” dated March 6, 1762, to Mr. Walsh, a
school official at the Academy in Middle Temple, while Middleton studied
there; written shortly before sailing home:
“My dear Sir, Your letter today assuring me of yr. liking my family came very opportunely to give me the confidence of desiring you will let me see you some day the beginning of next week for I would gladly consult your judgment in some thing relating to Jack, by which you will find that tho I can challenge the least share in the cause of yr liking. I have as fine a value for you as (not only they) but anybody else can have; for I am really much yr. humble servant, Middleton.”
The postscript reads:
“Mr. Larsop, you and Jack I think will be both good here, to answer for themselves there faults to you and yr. complaint (sic) of Betty…”
Very good, with minor soiling and browning; signature has been excised and re-attached. $30,000
James
Wilson
[Signer Declaration & Constitution]
James Wilson (1742-1798).
Jurist, U. S. Supreme Court Justice, author and signer of the
Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania. Wilson authored the
Pennsylvania state constitution of 1790 and was a key member of the committee to
draft the U. S. Constitution. Partly printed document
signed “Wilson” on verso, one page, 13” x 4” April 27, 1776, Cumberland
County Pennsylvania; being a court warrant ordering the sheriff to
confiscate goods. Lightly toned, very good with a bold signature.
$3500
Robert Treat Paine
Robert Treat Paine
(1731-1814). Legislator, Jurist and signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Massachusetts. Graduated Harvard in 1749; member of the
Continental Congress (1774-1776) was instrumental in suppressing
Shay’s Rebellion. Partly printed document
signed twice on verso “R T Paine” one page 7 ½” x 6 ½” January 17,
1769; very good with minor browning along folds, not affecting
signatures.
$700
James Smith
James Smith (1719-1806).
Lawyer, member of the Continental Congress (1776 & 1777); signer
of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania. Manuscript document signed
8 ¼” x 12 ½” one page, April 30, 1783, browned at folds; very
good.
$8000
Lewis Morris
Lewis Morris
(1726-1798). Landowner, statesman, member of the Continental Congress and
signer of the Declaration of Independence from New York. After
signing the Declaration, Morris’ estate was thoroughly ransacked by
British troops and his family driven off. As congressman, he was
particularly effective in Indian affairs. Autograph letter signed
twice “Lewis Morris” two pages, 7 ¼” x 9” Morrisania, August 13,
1791; to his son Lewis. Important & interesting content about family
matters; one brother is discussed, who is in the Army and another is
referred to as “the sailor” [Richard]. Seal is torn, with paper loss on
both pages, affecting a few words, but has been archivally repaired;
some print-through; a very good example.
$4500
Oliver Wolcott
Oliver Wolcott (1726-1797).
Judge, member of the Continental Congress (1775-1783) and signer
of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut. Graduated
Yale in 1747; Governor of Connecticut (1796-1797). As Brigadier General, he
commanded troops to reinforce General Israel Putnam on the Hudson
River in 1776. Autograph letter signed
“Oliver Wolcott” two pages, 8” x 12 ½” May 23, 1764, Litchfield, to
Matthew Griswold. An interesting letter about a case Wolcott is having trouble
with; it reads in part:
“I am sorry to inform you that I suspect that I shall not be able to procure any further evidence of the kind you mention in the Lord case, but will make further tryal, if I can obtain any thing will transmit it to you…….but it must be mortifying that such a villainous trick can any how be brought under the patronage of the Law……..I did not know that I should be able to prove any thing…..things must for ought I see be drove to the last extremity, for all their attempts to obtain it prove ineffectual……….but am determined if in my power to drive the matter thro……I am sir with the greatest respect your obliged humble serv’t Oliver Wolcott.”
Torn in margin for seal removal, but repaired; small repairs at some folds; overall very good, with a fine bold signature.
$2800
George Walton
George Walton (1741-1804).
Lawyer, Revolutionary patriot and soldier; member of the Continental
Congress (1776-1778;1779-1781); Governor of Georgia (1779-1780);
Chief Justice of Georgia (1783-1789); signer of the Declaration of
Independence from Georgia. Partly printed document
signed “Geo Walton.” one page, 7 ½” x 12” October 1 [1783]; an
interesting document concerns a slave; it reads in part:
“…..a certain Negroe Slave or Boy named Tom……. the said Negroe…illegally detained to the damage of your petitioner……”
A fine example, boldly signed.
$4250
Copyright Charles Parkhurst Rare Books, Inc. 2005 ©