Lot 1
Adams, John (1735-1826) 1735-1826, 2d president of the U.S. (1797-1801). Partly-printed Document Signed as President, Philadelphia, March 8, 1798, vellum, 14½ x 12½ inches. Granting two thousand acres of land to Richard James, assignee of John Holcomb, who served as a captain for three years "in the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment… in pursuance of…An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line…to obtain titles to certain lands lying north-west of the River Ohio…." Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. On the verso, Secretary of War James McHenry endorses the grant; Fort McHenry in Maryland is named after him. The document has overall age yellowing, toning at folds, and a couple of small pinholes at fold intersections. An old straight pin runs through the seal, and there is a tiny area missing at upper edge, affecting nothing. Adams' signature is strikingly large and of medium boldness. Beautifully matted with an image of Adams and a biographical plaque in brown linen with gilt liners and very handsomely framed to an overall size of 24½ x 30½ inches. A very attractive display piece.
The blunt, drab Adams often stood in the shadow of high-profile patriots such as Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson; nevertheless, he was a man of extraordinary accomplishments whose integrity was respected, even by his enemies. He led the protest against the Stamp Act in 1765, served in both Continental Congresses, and argued eloquently for the Declaration of Independence, which he partially authored and signed. He served the new nation as a diplomat, negotiating the Treaty of Paris (1783) to end the Revolution and serving (1785-88) as envoy to Great Britain. He became President Washington's vice president (1789-97) and in 1797 succeeded him as president. Adams' administration as President was handicapped by the carry-over of Washington's Cabinet. The Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 was the low point of his administration; the peace with France the high point. Undermined by fellow Federalist Alexander Hamilton, Adams lost his bid for a second term.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
|
| |
| Realized $3,680 |
