Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire (1714–1803). Manuscript DS, signed “Matthew Thornton, Chairman,” one page, 7 x 5.25, June 18, 1775. In full: “In Committee of Safety at Exeter: To the Selectmen of Kingston you are hereby required to deliver Mr Samuel Philbrick, Six Barrels of gun Powder & his Receipt shall be a discharge to you for the same.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (touching signature; partial separations with archival reinforcement to reverse), a few small tears (one touching “m” of “Chairman”), and light soiling, staining, and wrinkling. The writing is clear and dark throughout. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Thornton’s autograph material into the “rare” category among the Signers. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
