Lot #170

Declaration of Independence: Ellery, William

Description

A Signer gives strong career advice, “You attend to & are concerned in the business of Bread & Cake making, the Brewery & every Branch of Cookery. You must endeavour to learn all you can, that you may be able when you come home to take your turn with Betsy in Keeping House.”

Lawyer and signer of the Declaration of Independence. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 7.5, November 22, 1765. Advice to his daughter Lucy , whom he misses and has not heard from recently. In part, “Also that you attend to & are concerned in the business of Bread & Cake making, the Brewery & every Branch of Cookery. You must endeavour to learn all you can, that you may be able when you come home to take your turn with Betsy in Keeping House. To have Betsy & you able to conduct the family with that economy & good management for which your good Mother was & is your kind Aunt so famous, would give me the highest satisfaction…Don’t neglect your Writing or Reading…let not your mind be uncultivated.” In fair condition, with old tape repairs to complete horizontal separation, several small areas of paper loss, fragile folds, missing bottom portion of second page, scattered toning and soiling and strong bold signature. R&R COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #301 - Ended September 21, 2005