176. Declaration of Independence: Robert Treat Paine. Massachu-
174. Declaration of Independence: John Hart. Signer of the
Declaration of Independence from New Jersey (1713–1779). Engraved fifteen shilling New Jersey note, printed by Isaac Collins of Burlington, 4.25 x 2.5, dated March 25, 1776, signed in ink by Hart and two others. The reverse of the shilling note states that it was printed in Burlington in New Jersey by Isaac Collins, 1776, and it bears a rather strong warning, as well: “‘To counterfeit is Death.” A central vertical fold, overall creasing and wrinkling, some edge wear, and scattered toning and foxing, otherwise very good condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
setts lawyer (1731–1814) who served as one of the prosecutors of British soldiers during the Boston Massacre trial; he later signed the Declaration of Independence. Manuscript DS, signed “Paine,” one page, 3.75 x 6.25, November 1769. Financial document pertaining to the case of “Israel Barney vs Charles Handy,” signed at the conclusion by Paine. Central horizontal and vertical fold and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/ DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $100)
The New Jersey Signer orders the diligent survey of the ship Anna “to estimate the Amount of Damage, Wastage or Loss” 175. Declaration of Independence: Francis Hopkinson.
Manuscript DS, signed “Fras Hopkinson,” one page, 12.5 x 8, May 3, 1785. The order to examine a ship in the port of Philadelphia, signed by Hopkinson as Judge of the Admirality of the Court reads, in full: “Application having been made to Me by Richard Copplestone Master of the Ship or Vessel, called The Anna lately arrived from Bristol and now lying in this Port, for a Survey to be made on the said Ship You, or any two of you, taking to your Assistance my Ship-Carpenter or other Tradesman if you shall think it necessary so to do, are hereby directed and required diligently and carefully to Survey and examine as well the said Ship as the Goods, Wares, and Merchandizes laden on board, or any Parts or portions thereof, as you shall be thereto requested by the Owners or Consignees of the said Cargo or of any part thereof; and you are to estimate the Amount of Damage, Wastage or Loss, if any, which the said Cargo or any part thereof may have sustained on Board the said Ship and also to ascertain the Occasion of such Damage, Wastage or Loss, to the best of your Skill and Judgement, particularly specifying the Marks and Numbers of the Bales, Boxes, Casks or Packages, wherein such damaged Goods or Deficiencies may be found: In pursuance and according to the Direction of an Act of General Assembly of this Commonwealth, entitled ‘An Act for the further Regulation of the Port of Philadelphia, and ‘enlarging the Powers of the Wardens thereof;’ And how you Shall have executed this Writ made a Return to Me, under your Hands duly signed on the Sixth Day of May Instant or on the next Court Day together with this Writ.” Accompanied by the report of the survey of the ship Anna, which reads, “at the Instance of Richard Copplestone Master of the Ship Anna from Bristol. We Thomas Pryor & Francis Gurney two of the Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia, duly appointed and attested according to Law, Have diligently and carefully surveyed and examined the Said Ship and found her Cargo well Stowed and properly Dunaged [sic, Dunnaged].” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Hopkinson. In very good condition, with vertical folds reinforced on reverse, a vertical fold passing through a single letter of signature, uniform toning, a bit heavier along folds, and a couple trivial edge chips. A well-preserved document boasting a large signature brimming with nautical content. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
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