Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey (1730–1779). DS, one page, 7.5 x 12.25, June 26 [circa 1765]. A legal document ordering the Shefiff of Chowan County to attach the estate of Azariah Vann in the amount of five pounds in payment for a debt. Matted and framed with a portrait and engraved plaque to an overall size of 19 x 18.25. In good condition, with intersecting folds (partial and complete separations and several small holes), chipping to edges, light scattered staining, and show-through from ink docketing to reverse touching last letter of signature. The signature is otherwise clean and unaffected. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Hewes’ autograph material into the “very rare” category among the Signers—an echelon second only to that occupied by the virtually unobtainable Gwinnett and Lynch. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
