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We recently sold a George Washington autograph letter signed from 1773 for $25,200 at auction. Please see details below:
George Washington Long Autograph Letter Signed, Written Six Days Before the Boston Tea Party — Washington Mentions the Williamsburg Conference, Where He Spoke Out Forcefully Against British Abuses
George Washington long autograph letter signed, composed 10 December 1773, just six days before the Boston Tea Party, from Mount Vernon to “The Honorable John Taylor”. In this letter, Washington mentions the recent Williamsburg Conference, where he famously spoke out against British abuses, proclaiming: “I will raise a thousand men, subsist them at my own expense, and march with them, at their head, for the relief of Boston!” Letter with legal content reads in full,
“Dear Sir, Thinking it necessary that Mr. Montague should be advised of the steps which have been taken in consequence of the Power of Attorney which he inclosed to you, Col. Mason & myself, I wrote the inclosed Letter, & thought to have sent it to you from Williamsburg; but other business, and an attendance upon those with whom I had various matters to negotiate, occasion’d my neglecting it.
For the reasons assigned in the Letter (herewith sent) which might be a good deal enlarged upon, and upon consulting Mr. Waller as to the property, & legality of the measure, I am fully convinced of the utility of postponing the Sale of every part of the Estate til after finishing of the next crop, which Mr. Mercer assures me will probably be large, as there is a great deal of wheat sown in very fine land, which shall be applied in discharge of Mr. Gravat’s Mortgage. If therefore you shall concur with me in this opinion, and approve of the Letter in other parts, a place I left for you to Sign it, that it may be dispatched by the first opper’ty after getting to your hands. If on the other hand, you disapprove of the time of Sale, or the Letter generally, please to destroy it & write anything else you choose.
The original Deed to Mess. Hunter & Dick, being, as Mr. Mercer says taken out of the Secretary’s Office by Mr. Thompson Mason, before it was recorded, prevented my getting an attested Copy of that, 7 Col. Mercers Letter of Attorney to his Brother whilst I was down; but I have requested Mr. James Mercer to furnish me with these Papers as soon as possible, in order that they may be forwarded to Mr. Montague.
I have only my best respects add to Mr. Taylor, & to assure you that I am with very great esteem Dr Sir, yr Most Obed & Hble Serv. / Go: Washington”.
Letter measures 8″ x 12.75″. Professional repair along folds, and light uniform toning, overall in very good to near fine condition with a bold signature by Washington. Sold for $25,200 at auction.
Here are some additional George Washington signed items we sold:
Exceptional autograph document signed by George Washington from 1774 regarding bounty land promised to Virginia veterans of the French & Indian War, per the Proclamation of 1754. When distribution of the land stalled after the war, Washington famously took it upon himself to lobby on behalf of the veterans, even hiring a surveyor to divvy up the 20,000 acres himself. He was criticized, however, for reportedly setting aside the best land for himself and his friends, with this invoice revealing his efforts on behalf of his former aide-de-camp, George Mercer, and Mercer’s brother.
Dated 25 January 1774, Washington handwrites at top, ”Col. George Mercer on acct. of the Land under the Proclamation of 1754…” He details meetings beginning in 1770 in Fredericksburg, when Washington was appointed agent for securing the land, writing ”voted at Fredericksburg at this meeting, it being for your own & Brother’s shares…” Washington again writes about advocating for Mercer and his brother at a meeting in March 1771 in Winchester, and then bills for ”Surveying 13532 acres Patented in y’r own name” in November 1772. He also charges for ”y’r prop’n of the cost of Surveying a tract of 6788 ac’s – in w’ch you hold 2816 ac’s.”
Additional charges are listed, along with credits, for a total charge of over 40 pounds. Boldly signed ”Go: Washington” at conclusion. Interestingly, it’s unlikely that Washington ever collected on the bill, as Mercer, a strong loyalist, moved to England before the Revolutionary War. Document is in extraordinarily well-preserved condition, with bold handwriting throughout. Measures 7.625” x 7”. Mounting remnants to verso, otherwise near fine condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $37,500 at auction.
George Washington & Thomas Jefferson Large 1793 Document Signed by Washington as President and Jefferson as Secretary of State
Scarce single-page document dated 8 October 1793 signed by President George Washington, “Go: Washington” and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson “Th: Jefferson” printed in three columns in French, English and Dutch. Issued to “Gabriel Haven, master and commander of the Brigantine called The Betsey of New York lying at present in the port of New York bound for the West Indies and laden with Onions and Flour.” The middle panel contains Washington and Jefferson’s signatures in ink along with New York Mayor Richard Varick and of John Lamb, Collector of Customs for the Port of New York. The United States of America and Mayoralty of New York paper seals are intact on the document, which measures 12.5″ x 16″ and is displayed in a 15.5″ x 21.5″ frame. Slight toning, folds and some chipping; overall very good. Sold for $26,502 at auction.
President George Washington Autograph Letter Signed 1790
Handsome George Washington autograph letter signed as President. Single page, folio, dated 20 February 1790, to Thomas Mifflin, signer of the Constitution and Governor of Pennsylvania. In full: “Sir, / I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States – entitled ‘an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes’. I have the honor to be, / With due consideration / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient Servt. / G. Washington.” On 21 November 1789, North Carolina became the twelfth state to ratify the Constitution. When Congress assembled at its second session in January, 1790, President Washington called attention in his message to the favorable nature of public affairs and the rising respectability of the United States as a nation. Proof was afforded by the accession of North Carolina to the Union, leaving only Rhode Island yet to ratify the Constitution. The two states plight outside the Union had become so desperate that Congress at its first session consented to relieve the ships of those states for a limited period from the burden of a foreign tonnage duty which amounted to 50 cents per ton for foreign vessels, while domestic vessels paid six cents per ton. This letter discusses the first act passed by the second session of the First Congress in January, 1790, which specified the laying of duties on goods and merchandise imported into the state of North Carolina from any foreign port or place and upon the tonnage of all ships and vessels. The act further created five districts and four official ports of entry for collection of duties. An important early Federalist document. Washington’s signature is dark and prominent. In fine condition. Sold for $25,337 at auction.
President George Washington Autograph Letter Signed from 1784
President George Washington autograph letter signed from Mount Vernon, Virginia. Two pages, written entirely in Washington’s own hand, dated June 1784, letter is addressed to Sir Edward Newenham, one of the leading radical figures in late 18th Century Irish politics. Letter reads in full: “Sir, If this letter should ever reach your hands, it will be presented by Col. Humphreys, who is appointed as Secretary to the Commissioner from the United States for forming commercial treaties in Europe. This Gentleman is a particular friend of mine, and until I resigned my military appointment, was one of my Aid de Camps. He has been uniformly a friend to the rights of mankind. He possesses in an eminent degree the social virtues and is a man of integrity and worth. As such I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities if chance or a visit to Ireland, should throw him in your way. I offer no apology for this freedom, because, from your character I am persuaded none is necessary, and that you will feel pleasure in taking notice of merit. With great esteem and consideration, I have the honor to be / Sir – Yr Most Ob. Servt. / G. Washington” Separate address leaf in Washignton’s hand, bearing traces of Washington’s seal. One split along center fold, faint adhesive remnants to verso, otherwise fine condition. This George Washington autograph letter signed sold for $23,033 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President, Also Signed by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson document signed as President and Secretary of State. Datelined Philadelphia on 8 March 1792, document appoints “Zachariah Rhodes of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations…Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Patuxet”. Vellum document measures 14.25″ x 12″ with intact red wax-based paper seal. Repaired separation and paper loss along folds, and light soiling. Signatures of “Go. Washington” and “Th. Jefferson” are large and remain strong. Sold for $20,406 at auction.
Exceptional George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President
Partly printed document signed by President George Washington authorizing a parcel of land be given to James Pendleton for his military service, dated 18 August 1796. Document reads in part, “…in consideration of Military Service, performed by James Pendleton (A Captain for seven years) to the United States…and in pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the 10th day of August, in the year 1790, entituled [sic] ‘An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment, to obtain Titles to certain Lands lying north west of the river Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota;’…There is granted, by the said United States, unto Robert Pollard, assignee of the said James Pendleton a certain Tract of Land containing one thousand acres…” Countersigned by James McHenry, Secretary of War on the verso, which is also docketed with notations on the recording of the deed. Land bounties such as the one offered here were issued to reward military service in past wars and encourage enlistment in pending wars. Virginia gave more generous bounties than any other colony or state and a special Virginia Military District was reserved north of the Ohio to fulfill these grants. Signed boldly at conclusion “G.Washington”. Single-page vellum document measures 12.5″ x 14.5″. In very good plus condition with a fine embossed seal and a fine, dark signature. Document itself is lightly toned with mild creasing and typical folds, one running vertical through Washington’s signature, though nearly imperceptible. Sold for $19,036 at auction.
George Washington Lengthy 1798 Three-Page Autograph Letter Signed — Worried About Money and Writing to His Nephew on the Value of his Walnut Trees as He Was Having Trouble Overcoming his High Mount Vernon, etc. Expenses Even with His High Presidential Salary
Very rare three-page autograph letter signed “Go: Washington” from Mount Vernon dated 11 February 1798. Washington writes to his nephew Robert Lewis, who was attending to his uncle’s land affairs, about a parcel of valuable walnut trees. As Washington’s Presidential salary and earnings from his Western lands had not enabled him to meet his expenses, he was clearly concerned about maximizing profit from the trees. Letter reads, “Dear Sir Your letter of the 31st. ulto. came safe to hand, and the Deed therein enclosed, shall be executed in the manner, and in time, to obtain a certificate from the Clerk of this County at the Court next to be held for it, on the 19th. instant, & transmitted to you. Enclosed is a letter for Sally Haynie, left open for your perusal before it is forwarded to her, with the contents of which, respecting the payment of ten pounds, I request you to comply; and charge the same to the A/c of your collection of my Rents. With regard to my Land above Bath, I am really at a loss what direction to give concerning it. To have the valuable Walnut trees, with which it abounds, taken off by a parcel of lawless intruders, is extremely disagreeable (if they can not be punished) on the one hand and for the sake of obtaining a better Rent, to engage to take them off myself, within a given period, & that perhaps a short one, would be attended with great inconvenience, perhaps expence & loss, on the other. For unless I could get them to this place the cost of selling, preparing them for transportation, and attending them down the River would be a dead charge – and without the latter was done – that is to attend the loss down – I should not get one of them; of course all that preceeded would be lost. I see but two modes by which I can be benefitted by these Logs; one to let some person occupy the land without paying Rent, for the sole consideration of taking care of them. The other, if a good rent could be obtained, to oblige the Tenant to deliver them to me, noting the quantity of the trees, at a certain price, to be allowed out of the Rent. A third method indeed occurs, but it is one by which I should, apparently, get little for them – namely, to sell them on the spot – and yet, ultimately, if they would sell there for near their value, it might be the most productive mode of the three. Under this dilemma, make the best investigation of the subject you can, & act as shall seem most conducive to my interest. I am not included [inclined?] to give a lease for more than Seven years, and if the tenant is permitted to kill the Walnuts by girdling, the trees, I do not believe that the Crops would sustain much injury by their standing. They would season in this manner, and a few years hence, when the navigation of the River is in a more improved state might be brought down with more ease & safety. Perhaps, upon the whole, this may be found the most eligable [sic] Plan. We are all tolerably well at this time and unite in offering our best wishes for you, Mrs. Lewis & the family. With sincere friendship, and affectionate regard – I am always Yours Go: Washington…. Three pages on two sheets measuring 7.5″ x 9″ have typical show-through from writing on verso and several folds. There are a few instances of separation measuring approximately 1” on the folds. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $19,000 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed From 1785 — In this Almost Humorous Letter, Washington Manages Renters on His Land, and Appeals to His Land Agent for Help
George Washington autograph letter signed, written from his home in Mount Vernon on 28 July 1785. Still several years away from his election as the first President of the United States, Washington here is a landowner, attempting to make sense of leases made on his property, and requesting the help of his land agent Battaile Muse, to whom this letter is addressed. Battaile Muse would serve as Washington’s land agent until 1791, and was the son of Colonel George Muse who served with Washington during the Revolutionary War in the Fort Necessity Campaign.
Letter begins, ”A few days ago by a Mr. Hickman, who either is, or wants to be a tenant of mine in Frederick County. I sent you a dozen blank Leases. The tract on which he says his is fixed, is part of two Lots which I purchased at the sale of Colo. George Mercer’s Estate, in the year 1774…many persons applied for this Land; but from causes which then existed I came to no positive agreement with any; referring them to Mr. Snickers, who was so kind as to promise he would fix matters for me (as I was in a hurry and could not go upon the Land myself)…Some time after two men of the names of Winzer and Beaver, with the letter enclosed from Mr. Snickers, came here, and were told that I would comply with whatever agreement was made with them by him: among other things they said Mr. Snickers had promised them Leases for fourteen years; this I observed could not, I conceived be the case, because I had expressly named ten years…but, notwithstanding, if the case was so, and Mr. Snickers would declare it, the Leases should be filled up accordingly: this I repeat, and as far as the matter respects Winzer, for it seems Beaver has changed his mind…There are already three Tenants on this tract, to whom you may fill up Leases on the same terms as I have done for Winzer, and whenever they will bring evidences to prove them, I will sign them…The three now engaged will have rents to pay thereon the first of next Jan…Having not a Gentleman to assist me in my business, I hope shortly to have my Accts. so arranged as to send you a rental of what is due to me in London, Fauquier and Berkely Counties…I would be obliged to you for enquiring of Mr. Wormley’s manager, if he has any good red clover seed for sale; what quantity, and the price thereof, and let me know the result by the first conveyance to Alexandria…”
With closing written and signed by Washington, ”Yr Very Hble Servt / G. Washington”. Three page letter on bifolium, card-style stationery measures 15” x 11.75” unfolded. Small chipping to margins and archival repair along edges. Very good condition with strong signature. Provenance includes the Parke-Bernet sale on 1 November 1940, lot 775. Sold for $18,750 at auction.
George Washington Boldly Signed Revolutionary War Discharge Document for a Soldier in the 2nd New York Regiment — Circa 1783
George Washington signed Revolutionary War discharge document, a rare type of document bearing Washington’s signature from the Revolutionary War. Partially printed certificate discharges a soldier from the 2nd New York Regiment, reading in part, “By His Excellency George Washington General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America…Benjamin [?] Private in the Second N.York Regiment, having faithfully served the United States six years and six months and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby discharged from the American Army…[signed] Go: Washington”. Undated though likely signed in June 1783 when other men from the same Regiment were discharged. At this time, Washington was under considerable pressure from his troops to receive their pay; he successfully quashed a rebellion and kept his Army intact until Congress approved a compromise agreement for payment. Five months later he would fully disband his Army, his reputation as the hero of the Continental Army firmly established. Visible portion of document measures 6.75″ x 9.375″, matted and framed with a portrait of Washington to a size of 18.125″ x 14.75″. Not examined out of frame, but appears in very good condition with folds. With a bold signature by Washington. Sold for $16,800 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed as President — Regarding Land Purchased — “I can find no Deeds for these Lotts amongst my land papers” — Published in “The Papers of George Washington”
George Washington autograph letter signed as President, dated 3 October 1792 from Mount Vernon. Letter, addressed to the Hon. James Mercer, reads in full, “Dear Sir, It has long been in my mind to ask you, though I have never yet done it, if you could give me any information of a conveyance of the Lotts I purchased at Colo. Mercer’s sale of land in Frederick County in the year 1774. I can find no deeds for these Lotts amongst my land papers; but by referring to Letters which have passed between you & me (in a settlement of Accts with your Brother Colo. Jno. F. Mercer in August last) it would appear as if this had been done through your Agency. if so, your memory (much better I am sure than mine) may furnish you with the fact, and with the circumstances attending it – or, if it should not, and you would be so obliging when in Richmond to examine the Clerks Office of the General Court to see if any Deeds from you to me, by way of re-conveyance (for this I think was the mode suggested) are on record, it would be doing me an acceptable favor. If none is to be found there nor in the Frederick Office, I am yet without a legal title to the Land, although the purchase money has been allowed in the Settlement before alluded to, with interest thereon agreeably to the tenor of the Sale. With sincere esteem & regard I am – Dear Sir Your Affect. Servt. Go. Washington”. This letter appears in “The Papers of George Washington,” Vol. 11, page 188, edited by Philander Chase and others. Wood frame measures 28.75″ x 20″. Letter, measuring 7″ x 8.75″, is on three pages with first and last pages displayed. Includes franked envelope marked “Free” in Washington’s hand, who also signs it “President / US.” In very good condition with toning throughout. Sold for $16,200 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed 1789
Rare George Washington autograph document signed. Presidential appointment document boldly signed in ink, “G: Washington,” and dated 26 September 1789, just five short months after taking office as the first President of the United States. In part: “George Washington President of the United States of America…Know Ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Ability and Learning of Pierpoint Edwards of Connecticut Esquire, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, do appoint him Attorney of the said United States in and for the Connecticut District…In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my Hand at the City of New York the twenty sixth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine…” Notation to reverse datelined 29 October 1789, New Haven, Connecticut, attests to Pierpoint Edwards’ swearing-in as an attorney for the District of Connecticut. Document measures approximately 11.5″ x 11″. Accompanied by Letters of Authenticity from James Spence & PSA/DNA. Presidential Seal remains affixed and intact. Signature is pristine and unaffected by fold lines. A stunning piece from the seminal early months of Washington’s presidency. Excellent condition. Sold for $15,732 at auction.
George Washington as First President and Thomas Jefferson as First Secretary of State Presidential Appointment Signed — 8 March 1792
George Washington as the First President and Thomas Jefferson as the first Secretary of State document signed “G:Washington” and “By the President/Th:Jefferson”, dated 8 March 1792. Document appoints a William Lewis as an Inspector of the Revenue, one of 104 nominated as part of the U.S. Customs Service. The service was comprised of three positions: the Collector of the Port of Entry, the Naval Officer of the Point of Entry, and the Surveyors of the Port of Entry. Lewis was appointed the first, Collector of the Port of Entry. Most of these appointments were rewards given for service during the Revolutionary War. Partly printed document reads: “Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Diligence and Discretion of William Lewis, of Virginia, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, Do appoint him Inspector of the Revue for the Port of Fredericksburg, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the Duties of that Office according to Law; and to have and to hold the said Office, with all the Rights and Emoluments thereunto legally appertaining, unto him the said William Lewis, during the Pleasure of the President of the United States for the Time Being.” Document, measuring 15.75″ x 12.5″, has been archivally repaired on verso with conservator’s paper reattached to folds that had caused tearing, though not affecting signatures. Overall in very good condition. Document is framed with two portrait engravings and commemorative plaques of Washington and Jefferson. Sold for $15,732 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President in 1795 — Washington Appoints Spaniard Don Juan Bautista Bernabeu as Consul
George Washington autograph document signed as President on 31 January 1795. Washington appoints Spaniard Don Juan Bautista Bernabeu as shipping Consul in the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. Washington appointed several Spanish Consuls in the months leading up to the signing of The Treaty of San Lorenzo, in which 12 years of disputation between the countries came to an end. Document, countersigned by Secretary of State Edmund Randolph, measures 8” x 10” nicely matted and framed to 36.5” x 23.5”. Weighs 11.5 lbs. Discreet folds, one affecting signature. Overall in very good to near fine condition for a document of its age. Sold for $15,625 at auction.
George Washington Autograph 1789 Military Document Signed as President
Very attractive George Washington autograph document signed as President. Dated 29 September 1789, Washington appoints Jacob Kingsbury as a Lieutenant of Infantry; Kingsbury had enlisted in the Continental Army as a private in 1775 and would rise to the rank of colonel before his retirement in 1815. Signed in large bold ink, “G. Washington”, also signed twice by Secretary for the Department of War Henry Knox. Top of document in large bold heading reads, “GEORGE WASHINGTON President of the UNITED STATES of America.” Bears original seal and measures 15″ x 11.5″. Document attached to mounting with toning and folds. Document also contain tears along foldlines, overall good condition. An opportunity to own a desirable military appointment — increasingly difficult to find — signed while in office. Sold for $15,470 at auction.
Exceptional George Washington Autograph Letter Signed as President — “Motives of friendship and respect were all I had in view”
Lengthy George Washington autograph letter signed “G Washington” as President, dated 6 March 1793. From Philadelphia, Washington writes to his childhood friend the Reverand Bryan Fairfax at Mount Eagle Plantation, Virginia, in response to a letter sent by Fairfax on 17 February, apologizing for misunderstanding a message that Washington had sent, through a servant, that he would be departing from Mount Vernon. Fairfax thought that might have been an invitation to meet him en route and he didn’t respond, unsure whether Washington would simply call at his house. Here, Washington responds, “…and beg you to be assured that nothing was ever farther from my thoughts than taking amiss yr not coming to the road to see me the day I passed your house on my return to this City…Motives of friendship and respect were all I had in view by sending in to know how you did, as I was about to leave the county…” Washington then acknowledges Fairfax’s condolences on the death of his nephew, Major George Augustine Washington, who had been acting as overseer at Mount Vernon. He concludes with reference to the widow of Reverend Charles Green, Margaret, who subsequently married Dr. William Savage. “…permit me to ask if anything is done, or likely to be done in the case of Savage. – I am extremely anxious to see all matters in which I have had any agency brought to a close although the issue thereof should be unfavorable before I quit the stage of life…” Two page letter measures 9″ 7.5″. Right third of sheet browned and small edge tears mended with paper. Overall in good condition. This letter appears in “George Washington Papers, Presidential.” Sold for $15,000 at auction.
George Washington Autograph 1788 Framed
President George Washington autograph handwritten receipt signed. Datelined Mount Vernon, 23 March, 1788, Washington writes: “Received from John L. Mercer Esq. in September last eighty four Bushs and three pecks of Wheat at four shilling & six pence…and in Feby. Last, one hundred and thirty barrls. of corn…which said sums are to be payed to his credit…” Boldly signed, “G. Washington” at conclusion. Single page document measures 8.5″ x 3″; handsomely matted and framed with an engraving to an overall 19″ x 11″. Fine condition. Sold for $14,400 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Military Document Signed as Commander of the Continental Army
George Washington autograph document signed, “G Washington” as Commander of the Continental Army. Document discharges the soldier John Martindale, datelined Headquarters (Newburgh, NY), 8 June 1783. Countersigned by Jonathan Trumbull Jr. and H. Savage. Signed by Martindale on verso. Two-page document on a single sheet measures 8″ x 10.75″. Separation to folds and an additional half sheet patched onto verso. Overall in very good condition with a large, excellent signature. Sold for $13,728 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed Regarding His Military Mentor, Jacob Vanbraham, Who Fought for the British During the American Revolution
Fantastic George Washington autograph document signed as ”late Commander in Chief of the American Army” regarding his disgraced mentor, Jacob Vanbraham, a mercenary soldier who instructed Washington in the use of military weapons and then served under Washington in the French and Indian War before fighting against Washington and for the British during the Revolutionary War. In this document Washington acknowledges a payment he received from James Mercer to offset costs that Washington incurred lending money to Vanbraham; this money was used by Vanbraham to secure his claim to back pay and land due to him for fighting in the French and Indian War. The land was previously denied because Vanbraham notoriously mis-translated the word ”assassination” in describing the death of French officer Joseph Coulon de Villiers de Jumonville by Washington’s men at the Battle of Fort Necessity, which ignited the French and Indian War. Document is datelined Mount Vernon, 10 January 1786 and boldly signed Go. Washington, acknowledging the payment from Mercer to Washington of ”currency for the use of Jacob Vanbraham Esq late of Virginia formerly a Capt in the Virginia Regiment…for securing the said Vanbraham’s quota of lands…under the proclamation of the Honble. Robert Dinwiddie…” Verso of document contains letter by James Mercer to Vanbraham, dated 21 May 1786 requesting that Vanbraham repay him the amount owed plus interest. Document measures 7.25” x 8.75”, framed in dark green suede with a descriptive plaque and engraving of Washington to a total size of 42” x 24”. Light spotting and folds, with some tissue repair to verso over Mercer’s signature; though Washington’s signature is bold, it’s written over a fold which has an unrepaired split bisecting the signature and a small hole at fold. Overall very good condition. Previously sold at California Book Auctions on 18 November 1998, lot 5747, and referenced in the ”Writings of George Washington”, Volume 28. Sold for $12,500 at auction.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed as First Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army — 21 April 1781
George Washington autograph letter signed “G. Washington” as first Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, dated 21 April 1781 from headquarters in New Windsor (now New York). During much of the Revolutionary War, New Windsor served as the major depot for the Continental Army and the Army medical department. Letter reads in full: “Sir / You will oblige me by putting the inclosed into the Mail which I think will leave Hartford on Monday next. I am with very good Regard / Dear Sir / Your most Obt. and humble Servt. / G. Washington”. Since New York City was being held by British forces, Washington was forced to use mail routes across Connecticut, Long Island Sound and Long Island to communicate with points south. Shortly before Washington signed this letter, British naval forces attacked Charleston, South Carolina, forcing Washington to send troops to aid Americans, though Charleston would later fall on 12 May 1781 in the heaviest American defeat of the War. Washington remained in the north, collecting intelligence and planning other strategic moves, with limited mail use. Letter is beautifully mounted in a gilt frame with a creme-colored hand-wrapped silk mat. The letter was encapsulated in mylar by Frank Mowery of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. Small chip of paper is missing at lower right, slightly affecting the “n” and “t” in Washington’s signature, though paper has been expertly filled in. Letter measures 6.5″ x 7.5″ and is in very good condition with nice, large signature at close of letter. Frame also encloses a color portrait of Washington and a biographical plaque. Sold for $12,490 at auction.
George Washington Military Appointment Signed as President — Washington Appoints a Lieutenant to the 3rd Sub-Legion of the United States
George Washington military appointment signed as President, appointing a Lieutenant to the 3rd Sub-Legion of the United States. Following the signing of the U.S. Constitution which established the Department of War, the Legion of the United States was established in 1792 as America’s first professional standing Army, serving as the precursor to the Army of the United States. Document is dated 19 March 1792, signed “Go: Washington” at bottom. With a decorative military vignette at bottom, and the Great Seal at top. Vellum document measures approximately 15.5″ x 19.5″. Uniform toning, and some dampstaining and soiling to edges. Some fading to writing and signature. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $11,550 at auction.
FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your George Washington autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
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