Adams, Samuel (1722-1803) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts. He was in the forefront of the revolutionary movement, organizing opposition to the Stamp Act and leading the agitation that led to the Boston Tea Party. Rare, important content, Manuscript Document Signed as Governor of Massachusetts, on parchment, one page, 15¾ x 12½ in., Boston, June 20, 1796. Appointing William Shepart, Nathan Dane, and Daniel Davis, approved by the Legislature, to serve as "…Commissioners to treat with the Penobscot Indians upon the subject of their claims to certain lands lying on each side of the River Penobscot in the District of Maine…to fix the Boundaries of such Lots & parcels of land as may be necessary to assign for the support of said Indians…to execute such Releases and Covenants…to make some permanent annual provision for their support…hold said Treaty at such place on the said River…taking care to have it as early as may best suit the convenience of said Indians…." Folds and light toning. Overall very good with intact paper seal and a fine, bold signature.
The Penobscot tribe supported the Americans in the Revolutionary War, but were rewarded for their loyalty by being gradually pushed off their ancestral lands. First Massachusetts, and then Maine after 1820, acquired this land and administered the affairs of these Indians by right of colonial precedent, ignoring federal law and the initial protests of Indian leaders. The Penobscot eventually settled in Maine, where they and their Passamaquoddy allies live to this day. Recently both tribes successfully argued that their treaty rights, perhaps those agreed to in the treaty negotiated by these commissioners, had been violated, and in 1980, the tribes received a settlement of $81 million for land which had been illegally taken from them.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Signers of The Declaration of Independence
