Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia (1732–1794). Lee served as President of the Continental Congress, yet opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. He served in the Senate and resigned after the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Partial ALS, one page, 7.25 x 12, no date. This very letter is illustrated in Charles Hamilton’s American Autographs, Volume 1, page 91 (which notes its date as 1774). In part: “but to prevent the establishment of a precedent, destructive of our Liberty. What do you think of it? I have only now to assure you of my most affectionate attention to all your concerns, & to beg our best love to our dear Sister & bro. Templar. Being at all times your affct. Friend & Brother….” A pencil notation at the foot indicates that the original recipient was Arthur Lee in London. Faint soiling, staining, and wrinkling, and show-through from a partial red wax seal on reverse, otherwise fine condition. The text and signature are clear and dark. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Lee’s 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.
