Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia (1741–1804) who later served as that state’s chief justice, governor, and senator. ALS signed “Geo Walton,” one page, 6.5 x 8.5, September 19, 1786. Letter to Seaborn Jones. In full: “I know well the scarcity of money; but you will need but little: besides, it is your interest, perhaps your duty, to ride the whole Circuit. You may be called on before long as a State character. Independent, however, a lawyer is not worth a farthing that cannot make his own way good. You shall have a mattress with me, and your horses at the farm. The Jew will surely get the better of me if you fail. It is nothing about the plantation itself. It is what he wanted you to swear in Charleston, & the selling of Lucy etc. Come you must.” Letter is inlaid by its second integral page to a slightly larger off-white sheet. Second integral page also bears an address panel to Jones in Augusta. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and scattered staining, and a somewhat rough bottom edge.
Around the time of this letter, Walton had moved to Augusta when the city became the temporary capital of the new state. He was serving as chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court when he sent this letter to Jones, an attorney who once served as Walton’s clerk. The content is a bit shocking by modern standards, with the slave-holding Southerner referencing “the sale of Lucy,” a politically incorrect concern that “the Jew will surely get the better of me if you paid,” and a frank dismissal of certain attorneys, declaring “a lawyer is not worth a farthing that cannot make his own way good.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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