Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island and early abolitionist who served as chief justice of the state’s Supreme Court (1727–1820). ALS signed “Wm Ellery Coll,” one page, 6.25 x 8, February 27, 1797. Letter to District Attorney Ray Greene, in full: “Sea Letters and passports are signed by the President. Quere: Whether I can with propriety issue any of them under the signature of George Washington dated after the fourth of March; or, in other words, whether such documents ceased to be valid with his ceasing to be President. You are desired to answer this question as soon as possible.” Addressed on the second integral page in another hand. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, several lightly passing through signature, scattered toning, and slight paper loss and pencil notations to reverse of second page. The young United States would observe its first transition of power under the Constitution on March 4, 1797, when the freely elected John Adams replaced George Washington as president. Without precedent or tradition, this called into question various procedural aspects of government that had not yet been tested—including, in this case, the issue of official documents. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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