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Declaration of Independence: Elbridge Gerry

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Declaration of Independence: Elbridge Gerry

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Auction Date:2010 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Bid online at www.rrauction.com. Auction closes June 16.

Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts (1744–1814) who later served as vice president under James Madison. His name entered the language as a result of his support of politically advantageous redistricting, which became known as “gerrymandering.” ALS signed “E. Gerry,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 8, August 24, 1812. Letter to William Alexander. In part: "I regret exceedingly, that an accident, which I flatter myself you will excuse when informed of it, has prevented an answer to your letter of the 6th of April 1811. The number of letters which I received in that year is almost incredible… the secret journals of Congress to the year 1780 are in my possession & shall be delivered to your order; but I am under an obligation of form not to divulge the names of the secret agents you refer to, or of the woman, as she was the particular friend of Mr. Pinckney. Any information which I can give you, in your important pursuit, you will command freely.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered light toning, pencil notations to top of page, and mild show-through from text on reverse.

Espionage during the Revolutionary War was monitored and sanctioned by the Continental Congress to provide military intelligence to the Continental Army and aid them in fighting the British. The Congress created a Secret Committee for domestic intelligence, a Committee of Secret Correspondence for foreign intelligence, and a committee on spies, for tracking spies within the patriot movement. The Continental Congress, recognizing the need for secrecy in regard to foreign intelligence, foreign alliances and military matters, maintained "Secret Journals," apart from its public journals, to record its decisions in such matters. Gerry was among the men involved in such covert operations, and in 1775 decrypted a letter that implicated Dr. Benjamin Church, the Continental Army's chief surgeon, in espionage for the British. Interesting insight into the deep undercover work taken on by some patriots to help establish America's freedom.