Beschreibung:

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, SIGNERS] Michael, William. The Declaration of Independence. Illustrated Story...With the Biographies and Portraits of the Signers... Washington: Government Printing Office, 1904. Folio (378 x 275 mm.), A VERY ELABORATE PRESENTATION BINDING BY RIVIERE & SON, spine dated 1904, in full brown morocco, covers with medallion of eagle, crest, crossed flags, Liberty Bell, etc., in onlaid blue, green, red, and white leathers, inlaid and gilt-ruled borders, spine richly gilt; front doublures of inlaid red, green and blue morocco with large miniature portrait of a seated John Hancock (124 x 98mm.), dark green watered silk endpages; rear doublures with gilt signatures of the Signers, gilt edges, half morocco protective chemise, enclosed in fleece-lined cloth slipcase. EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED WITH LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS OF 48 OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. A sumptuous album, by an eminent London binder, with a letter of presentation bound at front recording its gift from William H. Michael to John B. Jackson of the U.S. Legation in Athens, Greece, July 7, 1905. Each document is neatly tipped or inlaid to the album's large pages; most include full transcripts. The collection, understandably, is incomplete: lacking are John Adams George Taylor Francis Lewis, George Taylor Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, John Penn and Lyman Hall (while the examples present of Franklin, Hooper, Hewes and Gwinnett are forgeries). While a rather modest set, there are a number of fine examples and the collection could easily be upgraded. Contents: HANCOCK, John. Partly printed DS as Governor of Massachussets, Boston, 12 July 1787. 1 p., large folio, browned along folds, papered seal. Registering the schooner Phenix , sailing from Marblehead. Bold signature. -- BARTLETT, Josiah. DS, Exeter, N.H., 2 April 1784. An oblong, two circular cancellation holes. Ordering payment of £12.11.2 for wages in military service. -- WHIPPLE, William. ALS to "President Meshech Weare" of N.H., Exeter, 21 Feb. 1781. 1 p., 4to, integral address leaf, . To state's first Governor regarding a bond carrying "several endorsements...in your hand writing..." -- THORNTON, Matthew. Partly printed DS, Londonderry, N.H., 6 Dec. 1796. 1 p., folio, seal. Recording the sale of "a certain Pew in the East Parish Meeting House in Londonderry". -- ADAMS, Samuel. Partly printed DS as Massachusetts Governor, Boston, 16 June 1796. 1 p., large folio, folded, papered seal. Appointing a Justice of the Peace. -- PAINE, Robert Treat. ALS to Rev Williams at Fort Edward, "Camp Lake George" [N.Y.], 9 Oct. 1755. 1 full p., small 4to. Warm letter regretting his absence from camp, adding that he is ministering to "your three Regiments." -- GERRY, Elbridge. ALS to "Gentlemen of the Senate and...House," [Washington, D.C.], Feb. 1812. 4 pp., 4to. Long, detailed message to Congress on economic aspects of sheep raising. Fine example. -- GERRY. ALS to a daughter, Miss Ann Gerry, Washington, 8 April 1814. 2 pp., 4to . Chiding a daughter who married without permission, assuring her that there is no "abatement of my affection for you" -- HOPKINS, Stephen. Clipped signature, n.p., n.d. An oblong . -- HOPKINS. LS, Hartford, 28 Oct. 1779. 2 pp., 4to, fine. Lengthy, important letter on depreciation of Continental currency, prices for supplies for the Continental Army. -- ELLERY, William. Autograph draft LS to Elizur Goodrich, New York, 26 March 1785. 1 full p., 4to, fine. Regarding a promissory note, adding "the Senate of New York have rejected a bill for the Congressional impost." -- SHERMAN, Roger. ALS to Lawrence, State Treasurer, New Haven, 23 Dec. 1783. An oblong . Financial matters and taxes. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel. Clipped signature. An oblong . -- HUNTINGTON. ALS to E.Kirby, Norwich, 9 Dec. 1788. 1 full p., 4to . Making corrections in "report of cases adjudged in the Sup. Court"; praising its usefulness. -- WILLIAMS, William. ADS, Hartford, 15 Dec. 1780. 1 p.