Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New York (1713–1803). Rare partly-printed DS, signed “Fran Lewis,” one page, 6.5 x 12.5, August 23, 1770. Document which binds Lewis, George Robertson, and John Bowles in administration of the estate of Robertson's kin Dougal Campbell, which, if not carried out properly, will result in a debt to the English Crown for the sum of £500. In part: “Know all men by these presents, that we George Robertson of the City of New York Esqr. Lieutenant of His Majesty's Ship Fowey, Francis Lewis of Queen's County Esquire and John Bowles of the Cty of New York aforesaid gentleman are held and firmly bound unto our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God, of Great-Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. in the Sum of Five hundred pounds, current Money of the Province of New-York, To be paid to his said Majesty, his Heirs or Successors. To the which Payment well and truly to be made, we do bind us, and every one of us, our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these Presents.” In good condition, with repaired horizontal separations, several old tape repairs, one causing a strip of moderate toning along central horizontal fold, small chips and areas of paper loss, and a uniform shade of mild toning. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Lewis’s autograph material into the “very rare” category among the Signers. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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