Signer of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina (1749–1800). ALS signed 'Ed. Rutledge,' one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, May 31, 1796. Letter to his daughter Sarah Rutledge. In part: 'This letter, my very dear Daughter, will be delivered to you by your Brother, whom I have consented should visit Europe before you leave it. He most anxiously wishes to meet you, & you will find him full of that tender affection, which I Pray God, may at all times, and thro' all the Changes of Life, subsist between you. I have received your long, well written French letter, & thank you for it. The account which you have given me of the Manner in which you pass your Hours, could not but be highly acceptable to me. It confirmed the opinion which I had formed of the plan of your education, and I hope I shall live to see you happy, very happy under its effects.
I was last night at Mrs. Heywards, the Sister of your Mother, where we had the pleasure of meeting a young French lady, not more than 16 years of age. She played to admiration & sang charmingly. She put me much in mind of you, although you say, you do not play well, & do not sing at all. It may be so, yet every Grace, & every accomplishment in any of your Sex, naturally brings you to my recollection, & calls forth the fond wish of an affectionate Father, that his dear Daughter may imitate & equal, what he admires. I suppose you will be so delighted at the sight of your Brother that you will scarcely find Leisure to read this Letter, and therefore, I will not detain you, especially as he can relate every thing you wish to hear, & tell you fully every thing you wish to know; unless it may be "how I love you" -- there he will fail, because I love you with a degree of affection that I myself am not able to express.' Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, some scattered light creases, a mild shade of uniform toning. And paper loss to second integral page from removed wax seal, otherwise fine condition. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Rutledge’s autograph material into the 'scarce' category among the Signers. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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