Hewes, Joseph (1730-79) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from North Carolina. Autograph Document Signed "Hewes & Smith" twice, once in the title and once at the conclusion, one page, 13 x 8 in., n.p., Oct. 16, 1777. "A Schedule of the Taxable Property of Hewes & Smith…" lists land, houses, a plantation, and twelve slaves, listed as "Negroes Viz Charles, Anthony, Ross, Harry, Peter, Frank, Peter, Jack a mulatto, Isaac -- do. [also a mulatto Boy], Joe--[also a mulatto boy], Penny a Wench, Ara a Child." Below the slaves, in the same column, he lists 9 horses, 2 cows, and a calf. At the end of the list he adds the name of Joe, a free mulatto man whose tax they are to pay. He also lists stock in trade which he supposes (having only had one day's notice to prepare this list) to be worth about £10,000. Fine condition; boldly penned and signed. Hewes and his partner, Robert Smith, owned a very successful mercantile business. Hewes was appointed head of the Naval Committee in 1776 and gave his ships over to the use of the Continental Navy, thus serving as the first (untitled) Secretary of the Navy until his death. Hewes is very rare.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Signers of The Declaration of Independence
