Author and lexicographer (1758-1843) who published the first comprehensive dictionary of American English. ADS, signed at the conclusion, and again on the reverse, one page both sides, 8 x 13, July 13, 1812. Webster’s detailed directions to the builders of his new house. In part: “It is covenanted & agreed by & between Noah Webster on the one part & Richard Osborne & Winthrop Cook on the other part, that the said Osborne & Cook shall finish & complete the house belonging to the said Webster in Amherst in the following manner. To wit, the eight rooms on the first & second floors to be lathed & plastered , & the joiners works, all as well done as the same kinds of works are done in the House of Col. [Elijah] Dickinson – the Doors of the rooms to be furnished with a good latch & bolt each – the closet doors to have a button & knob, or a cupboard-turn – a stair case to be made into the chambers…the closets & cupboards according to the directions of the said Webster…” After his instructions, Webster concludes, “The four back rooms to be completed by the 25th of August next - & the others by the 13th of October – the said Osborne & Cook to furnish all the materials - & to perform the whole in a workmanlike manner – For which work the said Webster is to pay the said Osborne & Cook the sum of seven hundred & fifty dollars as soon as the work is complete.” Webster has written on the top of the reverse, “Received of Noah Webster on the within one hundred dollars. New Haven July 13, 1812.” Written on the bottom of the reverse in an unidentified hand, “Septr-5th-1812 Recd of Noah Webster Esqr within named the sum of seven hundred & fifty Dollars in full for the work & the Contract within mentioned; one hundred having been previously recd agreeable to the indorsement above.” Signed “Osborn & Cook” by Osborn. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, uniform toning, show-through from writing on reverse. A clean example with multiple Webster signatures. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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