ADS, signed in the text “F. L. Lee” and “[William] Lee,” one page, 8 x 3 somewhat irregularly trimmed, April 1772. An account, written entirely in Lee’s hand, relating to “The Cargoe sent by Wm. Lee Esq. of London to Virginia in 1771,” including payments to Dr. William Flood, Walker Tomlin, Capt. Charles Rayson “for ships expences,” to himself, i.e., “to F. L. Lee, applyd to his own use,” and M. Smith, totaling approximately £684. In very good condition, with mild scattered soiling, complete vertical separation (stabilized by expert silked reinforcement to entire reverse; the separation near but not touching the occurrence of the “William Lee” surname), and discreet restoration of the blank right margin. The writing is quite clear and dark throughout. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Lee’s signature into the “very rare” category among the Signers, a level of scarcity surpassed only by that including the unobtainable signatures of Gwinnett and Lynch. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
