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Lot #4
John Adams Twice-Signed Legal Document (1773)

Twice-signed 1773 legal document from John Adams as a Massachusetts lawyer

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Description

Twice-signed 1773 legal document from John Adams as a Massachusetts lawyer

Revolution-dated partly-printed DS, signed twice as “John Adams” and Adams,” 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." Signed on the reverse by John Adams below a handwritten statement, and then again in the upper left corner, writing only his endorsed surname. The document is also signed twice by well-known attorney Samuel Quincy, who faced off against Adams just three years prior as head counsel for the prosecution in the Boston Massacre trial. Archivally matted and framed along with two commemorative plates, a copy of the front of the document, and a reprinted congressional document to an overall size of 33 x 42. In very good to fine condition, with light toning and scattered small stains. 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 and boasting two bold Adams signatures.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #699 - Ended September 11, 2024





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