Lot 354
Hooper, William (1742-1790) Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Extremely rare Revolutionary War date ALS ("Wm Hooper") on laid, watermarked paper, 1p, 9"x7¼", New Bern, NC, 1777 Nov. 27. Fine; seal tear at left margin affects nothing. With integral leaf addressed in Hooper's hand to a fellow North Carolina signer: "Joseph Hewes Esquire / Edenton [NC}." Fine; boldly penned and signed. Housed in a one-quarter-calf case with gilt lettering.
In full: Dear Hewes, Yesterday morning I gave Cummings a long letter for you with the expectation & indeed upon his assurance to leave this immediately. He has my letter & I dread asking for it lest I should give his little Majesty offense. Part of the letterhowever requires an immediate answer therefore I catch a moment to repeat a request which I then made to you that you would make an enquiry wit a delicacy that you can easily exercise whether S. Johnston would act as a judge for 1500 p. Ann & Iredell for 800. You know how much my feelings interest me in the appointment of such Characters & therefore you will write me upon the subject as soon as may be. Yours with regard, Wm Hooper. November 27, 1777, Newbern."
Hooper signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. His home, Finian, was burned by the British, as well as a house he owned near Wilmington. His wife and children were forced to flee and take refuge with her brother, Gen. Clark. The depredations suffered by Hooper at the hands of the British might account for the paucity of his holograph letters. He is usually ranked fifth in rarity for Signers. This letter is particularly significant because it is to a fellow Signer and was written during the Revolutionary War.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $9,200 |
