Read, George (1733-98) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware. Autograph Document Signed ("Geo: Read"), 4 pages, 15¼ x 9½ in., N[ew] Castle, Aug. 19, 1786. Concerning the matter of the will of Capt. Henry O'Hara of Appoquimack, Delaware, recently deceased. There are many questions arising from the will, and Read answers each of them separately, including what is to be done with what was left to O'Hara by his grandmother, who recently predeceased him, leaving him such articles as a silver snuffbox, a watch and some money. Another problem is a plot of land owed to another man by O'Hara in bond for a debt, and what is to be done with the grain on the land. Read opines on the probates of other wills in relation to this one. A remarkable legal document with well over 2,000 words in Read's hand. Normal toning, else fine. Accompanied by a transcript.
On July 2, 1776, Read was the only member of the Second Continental Congress to vote against independence; however, he changed his mind before August 2 and signed on that day, along with most of the Signers. In 1787, the year after he wrote this document, Read represented Delaware at the Constitutional Convention, and signed the U.S. Constitution. Read is scarce.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Purchased from Robert Batchelder in 1986.
Signers of The Declaration of Independence
