Partial ADS, signed “Matthew Thornton, Just. of Peace,” one page trimmed to 7.5 x 5.75, September 6, 1765. A warrant wherein Thornton orders the apprehension of Arthur Archibald “(if he may be found in your precinct) & bring him to me, to be Examined Touching the Premises, & to be Dealt with as the Law Directs.” A remnant of the wax seal remains at upper left. Matted and framed with a portrait and engraved plaque to an overall size of 18 x 12.5. In very good condition, with scattered soiling and wrinkling, intersecting folds (partial separations reinforced from reverse; vertical fold touching last name), and small hole touching paraph. The signature itself is clear, dark, and otherwise unaffected. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Thornton’s autograph material into the “rare” category among the Signers. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
