Manuscript DS, signed "A. Burr," one page, 8 x 10, April 5, 1800. Legal document reads, in full: "Circuit Court of the United States of America for the New-York District in the Eastern Circuit. Wilhem Willinck (sic), Nicholas van Staphoorst (sic), Peter van Eighen, Hendrick Vollenhoven and Rutger Jan Schimmelpenninck Complainants vs Robert Morris, James Markham Marshall, Robert Morris Junior, John D. Dickinson, Thomas Marther (sic), Thomas L. Whitbeck (sic) and Aaron Burr Defendants. I appear to the Bill of Complaint of the above Complainants and pray that my appearance may be entered accordingly." In good to very good condition, with document having been professionally strengthened with tissue in the last century, filling in tears at edges and in blank areas, scattered moderate staining and soiling affecting appearance, Burr's signature quite light, but still completely legible, and a few small tears.
An unsettled and untamed young United States provided vast opportunities for land speculators. Burr, whose rapid political success culminated in the vice presidency under Thomas Jefferson-a position in which he served when signing this document-shared such interests. Such dealings, however, were also at the root of several controversies involving his questionable participation in state land deals.
As a member of the New York Assembly, Burr had sponsored a bill to aid the Holland Land Company, a Dutch company in which he had a financial interest. The company's goal was to invest in land in central and western New York State and western Pennsylvania and then sell it at a profit. Because foreigners were not allowed to own land, the funds were placed in the hands of American trustees. In the midst of his campaign to defeat Federalist President John Adams' bid for re-election that Burr appeared as a lawyer for defendants including himself, signer of the Declaration of Independence Robert Morris, and James Marshall-Morris's son-in-law and the brother of John Marshall. The men were parties in a lawsuit brought by Dutch owners of land originally sold by Morris to the trustees of the Holland Land Company, and which was the basis of this document. Political intrigue from the 19th century! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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