Lot 9
Clark, Abraham (1725-94) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Autograph Document Signed ("Abra. Clark") as a lawyer and surveyor, two pages plus page for notary, 12½ x 8 in. Feb. 10, 1775. Deed whereby Marmaduke Hunt conveys 7.2 acres to Henry Marsh in consideration of fifty pounds eight shillings "current money of New Jersey at eight shillings the ounce." Clark wrote the document and signed it as a witness. On page three, Ebenezer Foster, a judge of the Insessions Court of Common pleas, acknowledges that Hunt appeared before him on Feb. 9, 1776. With transcript. Some professional fold reinforcement. Boldly penned and signed. Clark is rare.
Clark suffered much for his support of the American cause. His home was set on fire by the British and two of his sons were taken prisoner during the war. When the British offered to release them from the prison ship Jersey in New York harbor, where they were being held, if Clark would abandon his support for the revolution, he refused, even if it meant the death of his sons; fortunately, both of his sons were released during a prisoner exchange, but he did not know that at the time. Many hundreds of captives perished on board the Jersey.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
Purchased from Robert Batchelder in 1981.
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| Realized $5,428 |
