Partly-printed DS, one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.75, August 28, 1773. Notice to the Sheriffs of Suffolk and Essex County to have Andrew Oliver of Salem appear in court. In part: “In a Plea of Debt, for that said Andrews…together with Martha Allen Widow and Thomas Hubbard Esquire, since deceased, by their Bond under their hands…unto Thomas Hutchinson…in the sum of Fifteen Thousand Pounds of lawful money, to be paid to the said Thomas Hutchinson…yet the said Andrew Oliver, Martha Allen and Thomas Hubbard never paid.” On the reverse, Adams writes seven lines, beginning “And the said Foster Hutchinson Judge consenting to the liberty reserved in the Debt of Plea…the same is an insufficient answer to his said Writ & Declaration.” Signed once at the conclusion, “John Adams,” and signed a second time in the top left corner, “Adams.” Lower margin of front is also signed by well-known attorney Samuel Quincy, who had faced off against Adams just three years prior as head counsel for the prosecution in the Boston Massacre trial (Adams led the defense). Nicely matted and framed along with two commemorative plates and copies of the first page of the document and a reprinted congressional document to an overall size of 33 x 42. In very good condition, with professional repairs to several separations along folds, tiny pinholes at folds, and scattered toning. The debt being handled in this document belonged to the Honorable Andrew Oliver of Salem, a founder of the American Academy of Arts and Science and a member of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. An interesting document connecting three prominent Massachusetts figures, boasting two bold Adams signatures. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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