25409

Constituitional Convention Complete Sigs Extremely Important Bound Collection of Letters and Docume

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:80.00 USD Estimated At:100,000.00 - 150,000.00 USD
Constituitional Convention Complete Sigs  Extremely Important Bound Collection of Letters and Docume
<B> Extremely Important Bound Collection of Letters and Documents Signed by all 55 Delegates to the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787.</B></I><BR><BR><B><I>Autographs of the Members of the Federal Constitutional Convention</B></I>.</B></I> It became increasingly apparent after the Revolutionary War that an enduring United States of America would require the establishment of a centralized government with legally defined powers and responsibilities. To achieve this lofty goal, delegates from each of the thirteen states met in convention at Philadelphia on May 25, 1787. The attendees, although exclusively prominent white male citizens, embodied a wide range of professions, religions and sectional interests. Their combined efforts to craft a viable government over the long summer of 1787 resulted in, by September 17, the United States Constitution and earned them lasting recognition as this nation's "Founding Fathers." The drafting of the Constitution was seen as a watershed accomplishment in Western History from the outset. That the Constitution went on to survive the nation's trials of the 19th century served only to enhance its mystique and generate sober reflection upon its unique character and the great minds which conceived it. 1887 marked the Centennial of the Constitutional Convention, a commemorative event that was likely the catalyst behind the remarkable collection offered here. All 55 delegates to the convention are represented by their signatures on manuscripts which are mostly either Autographed Letters Signed or Documents Signed. These are all neatly tipped-in on pages housed in a custom pair of large folio volumes, 11.5" x 14.75". The albums, circa 1890, each have an illuminated title page and are bound with exquisite gold tooled red morocco covers and spines protecting a combined total of 246 internal leaves on heavy stock. A facsimile of the Constitution accompanies text from Hamilton L. Carson's <I>Biographies of Members of the Federal Convention,</B></I> which is strategically placed throughout both volumes with engraved portraits of the delegates as a means of giving additional substance to the autographs. Carson (1852-1929) was a Philadelphia attorney who had served as Secretary of the Constitutional Centennial Commission. It is entirely possible that he assembled this collection. Red cloth slipcases incorporating sturdy board and leather-rimmed openings complete the package. The manuscripts in the collection are outlined in order of placement as follows: <BR><BR><B> George Washington of Virginia ANS,</B></I> one page, 7.0" x 3.25", Mt. Vernon, VA, January 1, 1786. A receipt in General Washington's hand for an illiterate farmer, this reads, "<I> Received from George Washington the sum of twenty six pounds seventeen shillings for two hundred and sixty eight and a half bushels of oats</B></I>". Washington served as the Convention's President. His name is underscored in a fine line of red ink, else Very Fine condition; <BR><B> John Langdon of New Hampshire ALS,</B></I> "<I> J W Langdon</B></I>", 3 pages, 8.0" x 10.0", Portsmouth, NH, March 2, 1803 to J. Worthington, Chillocothe, Ohio. A scarce letter to the Northwest discussing a forged deed. Stains, else Fine condition; <BR><B> Nicholas Gilman of New Hampshire ALS ,</B></I> "<I> Nich. Gilman</B></I>", 2 pages, 8.0" x 10.0", Exeter, NH, May 29, 1810 to J.H. Hoac. A business letter regarding a shipment of goods. Light stains, else Fine condition; <BR><B> Nathaniel Gorham of Massachusetts ALS,</B></I> "<I> Nath Gorham</B></I>", One page, 7.0" x 9.75", Concord, MA, March 19, 1792 to Rebecca Gorham, Charlestown, MA. Gorham asks his wife to <I>...look on the desk and find a letter for Mr. McBond and send it on up...</B></I>". Isolated browning, else Fine condition; <BR><B> Rufus King of Massachusetts ALS, </B></I> 2 pages, 7.5" x 9.5", New York, February 18, 1811 to Col. Benjamin Walker, Utica, NY. King asks Walker to at least pay interest on monies owed. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> William Samuel Johnson of Connecticut ALS, </B></I> "<I> Wm Sam'l Johnson</B></I>", One page, 7.0" x 8.0", New York, April 4, 1785 to Col. Wadsworth. Treaties with Barbary pirates are discussed. Possibly a manuscript copy for Johnson's records given docketing on the verso. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> Roger Sherman of Connecticut ANS, </B></I> One page, 7.75" x 5.0", New Haven, CT, April 15, 1785 to John Lawrence, Treasurer. The recipient is asked to provide a Mr. Tilly with a tax credit. Sherman's constitutional legacy remains as he was behind the notion of proportional Congressional representation based upon a District's population. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> Alexander Hamilton of New York ALS, .</B></I> One page, 8.75" x 9.0", Treasury Department, May 26, 1791. Although in letter form, "<I>Circular</B></I>" appears at the top of the manuscript. It reads "<I> Enclosed you will find for your information, generally, and government, in certain particulars, certain explanations and instructions concerning the two Acts, severally entitled 'An Act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating to 'same'; and 'an Act' making further provision for the collection of the duties by law imposed on Teas, and to prolong the term for the payment of duties on wines</B></I>". Large, bold signature, Very Fine condition; <BR><B> William Livingston of New Jersey DS, </B></I> "<I> Wm Livingston</B></I>", One page, 6.5" x 8.25", March 14, 1777. An affidavit attesting to the military oath of one Charles Pettett. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> David Brearly of New Jersey DS,</B></I> "<I> Dav'd Brearly</B></I>", One page with docketing, 8.0" x 12.25", Monmouth, NJ, June 22, 1774. Brearly is one of five signatories on a legal document. Browning and fading, Fine condition; <BR><B> William Patterson of New Jersey ANS,</B></I> "<I> Wm Patterson</B></I>", One page, 8.0" x 10.0", January 17, 1803 to Andrew Bayard. Payment instructions to the Bank of The United States. Fine condition; <BR><B> Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey ALS, </B></I> "<I> Jona Dayton of New Jersey</B></I>", 2 pages, 8.0" x 10.0", Washington, March 31, 1802 to Elias Boudinot. Land parcels, likely in Ohio, are discussed. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania DS,</B></I> "<I>B Franklin Penna</B></I>", one page, 8.5" x 7.25". This undated partial legal document concerns a bankruptcy case, likely pre-Revolutionary. Franklin, born in 1706, was the oldest delegate to the convention. Very Fine condition: <BR><B> Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania DS,</B></I> "<I> Tho Mifflin",</B></I> one page with docketing, 9.75" x 15.0", Philadelphia, May 9, 1791. Mifflin signs this legal document as Governor of Pennsylvania. Archival repairs on folds, some stains. Very Good condition; <BR><B> Robert Morris of Pennsylvania ALS, </B></I> "<I> Rob Morris</B></I>", One page, 4.75" x 7.5", June 29, 1796 to William Tilghman. Morris inquires after a colleague's ill health. Very Fine condition; <BR><B> George Clymer of Pennsylvania ALS,</B></I> "<I> Geo Clymer</B></I>", One pa