Adams, John (1735-1826) Second President of the United States, first Vice President, and Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts. Autograph Document Signed as attorney for the plaintiff in a legal case, 1¼ pages, 12¼ x 7½ in., Boston, Dec. 9, 1768. Being a summons for Joshua Bracket to appear before the Court of Common Pleas in Boston regarding a dwelling house and land fronting on School School and another piece of land which Elizabeth Haldan claims. The summons traces title of properties through the Maylern family, from Joseph Maylern to his son, Mark, and from Joseph's granddaughter Hannah Haldan to her daughter, Elizabeth, the plaintiff. Adams wrote over 700 words in his tiny, precise handwriting and signed at the conclusion, on the verso. A transcript is present. Expected age toning and a couple of contemporary ink stains, as well as another small stain, not affecting legibility of the boldly penned and signed document. Adams is rare.
Adams was an early and ardent advocate for independence. He attended the First Continental Congress (1774-76), signed the Declaration of Independence (1776), was appointed diplomat to France (1776-79), then minister plenipotentiary in Europe (1780-81), was party to the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain (1783), and served as U.S. Minister to the British court (c. 1783-88), after which he was elected first Vice President of the U.S. (1789), and the second President (1796).
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Purchased from Robert Batchelder in 1984.
Signers of The Declaration of Independence
