Storied American frontiersman, soldier, and politician (1734–1820) whose varied exploits made him one of the young nation’s first folk heroes. Very rare ADS, one page, 8 x 3.25, October 31, 1787. Handwritten promissory note reads, in full: “I promise to pay to the Governor or order the sum of 25 pounds for a bote [sic] rec’d of Capt. John Juitt.” Signed at the conclusion by Boone. Attractively double cloth matted and framed with a portrait of Boone and a small plaque to an overall size of 17.5 x 21.75. Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a couple trivial edge chips and tears, and a bit of scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition.
In 1787, Boone lived in Maysville, Kentucky, where he was a tavern keeper, surveyor, land speculator, and recently-elected member of the Virginia State Assembly. He was prosperous, owning seven slaves and 100,000 acres of land at the time of this document. This promissory note was most likely for the keelboat Boone purchased for a business venture he would conduct the following year. In the spring of 1788, he loaded a large shipment of 12 tons of ginseng on the vessel and set out for Philadelphia where it was to be shipped to China. The boat was damaged on the way and much of the ginseng ruined, resulting in a financial loss for Boone. An extremely scarce signed document, as rare as it is desirable. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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