Huge vellum DS as president, signed “John Adams,” one page both sides, 17 x 19.5, July 8, 1799. Adams gives more than a dozen Revolutionary War veterans “titles to certain lands lying Northwest of the River Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota…in pursuance of an Act of Congress of the United States on the 10th day of August in the year 1790, entitled ‘An Act to enable the officers and Soldiers of the Virginia line.’” The text describes in detail the exact partitions of the property. Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. The reverse bears an endorsement signed by Secretary of War James McHenry. The seal remains intact and the signatures surprisingly bold. The actual document is displayed within a 23.5 x 25.75 hinged frame permitting viewing of both sides, which in turn is attached to an immense 41 x 35.5 display. In fine condition, with some light soiling and tiny pin holes at fold intersections.
In recognition of their service to their country during the revolution, Congress set aside parcels of land, all once part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to which the veterans were entitled for their service in the Continental Army. This bounty was advantageous not only to its new owners who were able to create a homestead but also to the federal government, which was able to expand its control and have trained men ward off any trouble with Native American inhabitants of the 4 million-acre area known as the Virginia Military Lands. A remarkably historic ‘thank you’ from the second session of the first congress—in a massive presentation. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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