He was appointed to the Committee of Correspondence, elected to the Provincial Legislature, and sent along to the Continental Congress in 1775. Hewes was known as a tireless worker in committee and the leading expert on maritime concerns. In 1776 he signed the Declaration of Independence and placed his ships at the service of the Continental Armed Forces. He served the Congress as the Secretary of the Naval Affairs Committee until 1779. DS, signed “Hewes,” one page deacidified paper, 8 x 13, October 16, 1777. “A Schedule of the Taxable property of Hewes & Smith in Company delivered the 16th Octo. 1777 to Joseph Blount…Lots of Hose in [?] now in preparation. 2/3 of a piece of land and house in Camden County now in preparation…Lot of house in [?] now in…of Mr. Collings, a plantation in…known to be the name of the McGraths…” Follows is a list of “Negroes…Charles, Anthony, Bob, Harry, Peter, Frank, Peter, Jack a Mulatto Boy, Isaac, Jos, Penny, and a child, 9 horses, 2 cows, 1 calf…in trade including money and bonds…to be ascertained with certainty in these times when property…exceedingly, especially when we have but one days notice, however we suppose it may be about ten thousand pounds…” Signed “Hewes” and “& Smith” at the conclusion. In good condition, with bisecting folds, small separations at the fold junctions, and heavy overall mottled staining affecting appearance; the paper has been professionally deacidified. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
