American statesman and signer of the Constitution (1727–1819) who played a key role in the debates at the Constitutional Convention. Partly-printed DS, signed “Wm. Saml. Johnson,” one page, 6 x 5, January 4, 1776. Document to the sheriff of Fairfield County, Connecticut, requiring him to summon “Jonathan Downs of Stratford to appear before the Adj’d County Court” to respond to a plaintiff’s lawsuit requesting £30.00 in damages. Affixed by the left edge to a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition, with some show-through from docketing to reverse. RR Auction COA.
