The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence remains one of the most important founding documents in modern history. Adopted in 1776, it sets out America’s break from British rule, founded on principles of liberty, equality and self-governance.

Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress, it marked a defining moment in the creation of the United States. Surviving original manuscripts and early printings are highly sought-after, with a newly-discovered manuscript of the Declaration of Independence — written in the hand of Samuel Jones — sold by Christie’s for US$2.5 million in 2025.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

[Exeter, New Hampshire: Robert Luist Fowle, c. 15-19 July 1776]

The Jones Declaration of Independence

Samuel Jones, c. 1788

A rare, contemporary broadside edition of the Declaration of Independence

[John Rodgers, c.14-16 July 1776]

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

WILLIAM J. STONE, 1823

A CONTEMPORARY BROADSIDE EDITION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Continental Congress, 1776

A rare contemporary broadside edition of the Declaration of Independence: the Goodspeed-Sang-Streeter copy.

Continental Congress, 1776

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. [Washington:] W. I. Stone for the Department of State, 4 July 1823.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.] Engraved by W.I. Stone, for the Dept. of State, by order of J.Q. Adams, Secty. of State. July 4 1823.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. In Congress, July 4, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled. When in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station, to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation...We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions do, in the name and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Signed by Order, and in Behalf of the Congress, John Hancock, President.... [America: Boston: Printed by John Gill, and Powars and Willis, 1776]. Folio broadside (17 x 12 7/8 in.), heading in bold display types, main text in two columns. Imprint and printed rule trimmed at bottom. Early endorsement: "Declaration of Independency 4 July 1776" on verso. Several neat mends at folds and margins (just catching three letters in second column), minor spotting, otherwise in very good condition. FIRST BOSTON AND TENTH BROADSIDE EDITION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE An important and rare early broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the publication of the momentous text in Boston, indisputable cradle of the revolution. Two variants have been noted: This, the second issue, has: a) additional leading in the headlines; b) the word "Declare" in the last paragraph correctly spelled; and c) rule and imprint added. ONLY A VERY FEW COPIES OF THE EARLY BROADSIDE EDITIONS SURVIVE. Utilitarian in purpose and essentially ephemeral, the fragile format of the post-Dunlap printings vitually guaranteed their infrequent survival. The number of copies printed by Gill, Powars and Willis is not known and only a few examples of each variant survives. Evans 15161; Ford, Massachusetts Broadsides , 1954; Michael Walsh, "Contemporary Broadside Editions of the Declaration of Independence," in Harvard Library Journal , vol.3, no.1 (Winter 1949), pp.38, number 10. Five copies of Walsh's 9 are recorded, all in permanent institutions; six copies are known of Walsh 10: Boston Public Library, Bostonian Society, Massachusetts Historical Society, University of Virginia (Albert Small Collection, from Julia auction 7-29-99), Private (the present copy, Sotheby's, 5-22-1990), Private (from Skinner, 11-18-2007, $693,500). The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson later wrote, was intended "to be an expression of the American mind," reflecting "the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion" (letter to Henry Lee, 8 May 1825). The Continental Congress, after authorizing the writing of the Declaration and approving the text submitted by Thomas Jefferson and his committee, took steps to ensure the rapid dissemination of the historic document. When the approved text was adopted on 4 July, Congress directed that copies "be sent to the several Assemblies, Conventions & Committees or Councils of Safety and that it be proclaimed in each of the United States." Philadelphia printer John Dunlap, working on the night of July 4, set in type a bold broadside of the Declaration, and beginning on July 5 and 6, copies were dispatched by John Hancock, President of Congress, to the state assemblies and to Generals George Washington and Artemas Ward. The quick dissemination of the historic text of the Declaration may be vividly traced in newspapers and broadside editions from its birthplace in Philadelphia throughout the thirteen self-proclaimed states, as rapidly as express riders and the post could carry it. The citizens of Baltimore were able to read the critical document as early as 9 July in Dunlap's Maryland Gazette ; New Yorkers could read it July 9 to 11 in three of that city's newspapers and one broadside printing. The Maryland Gazette , in Annapolis, published it on the 11th. The next three weeks saw newspaper or broadside printings in New London, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; Hartford, Norwich, Exeter, Salem, Worcester, New Haven, Portsmouth and Williamsburg. In Salem, the Massachusetts state capital, the council ordered broadsides of the text sent to town clerks, and to ministers of all denominations, to be read before their congregations. The Declaration arrived in Boston, seat of the Revolution, as early as 13 July, and city officials ordered it publicly proclaimed from the balcony of the State House on July 18, the same day it appeared in John Gill's Continental Journal and Powar's and Willis's New-England Chronicle . The three printers--Gill, Powars and Willis--co-published the present imposing broadside, perhaps preceding the newspaper publications. By the end of August 1776, the Declaration had been printed in at least 29 newspapers and 14 broadsides. A NOTE ON THE TEXT. On or about July 17, 1776, printers in three New England cities--Solomon Southwick in Newport, E. Russell in Salem and John Gill in Boston--prepared broadside editions based on John Dunlap's 4 July broadside Declaration of Independence. In their editions, Southwick, Russell and Gill all altered Dunlap's adjectival "divine" to the noun "Divine." Gill was the only printer of the three to set the text in a two-column format. Congress's formal authentication of the text was approved by Congress "En banc" on 18 January 1777. That authenticated version was printed by Mary Goddard in Baltimore (where Congress was encamped during the British occupation of Philadelphia). Gill's two column format and capitalization of "Divine" curiously anticipate Congress's authenticated version by more than five months. Additional research may clarify the evolution of this fundamental text and the sequence of printings.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.] Engraved by W.I. Stone, for the Dept. of State, by order of J.Q, Adams, Sect y. of State. July 4 1823.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. Washington: W. I. Stone for the Department of State, 4 July 1823.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Printed by Robert Bell, Philadelphia, [8] July 1776

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. The Pennsylvania Evening Post, Number 228. Philadelphia: Printed by Benjamin Towne, in Front-street, near the London Coffee-House, Saturday, July 6, 1776.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events.. . [Washington, D.C.] Engraved by W.I. Stone, for the Dept. of State, by order of J.Q. Adams, Secty. of State. July 4 1823.

The Episcopal Academy was founded in 1785 by The Reverend William White to educate the sons of Philadelphia's Episcopalian community. Its first trustees were such famous Americans as Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution and signer of the Declaration of Independence; his partner, Thomas Willing; Francis Hopkinson, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and Edward Shippen, later Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. The curriculum included instruction in Greek and Latin, as well as more practical training in business and mathematics. In 1921, the school moved from its city campus to a suburban Merion location. Fifty-three years later, Episcopal Academy opened the Devon campus to accommodate a larger, coeducational student body. The first young women were graduated in 1984. As the result of energetic fund-raising, the Academy was able to begin construction in 2005 on an entirely new campus in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, and the move there was completed by Fall 2008. This new, specially designed campus enables the school to continue to provide the best possible facilities to its students and faculty. The Episcopal Academy educates qualified, motivated students to grow intellectually, physically, and spiritually, and to share their talents generously. The Episcopal Academy is a coeducational community of learners and teachers working to achieve excellence through a strong academic program, comprehensive athletics, and vibrant arts. The school's Episcopalian heritage, with its respect for all faiths, forms the basis of life together. The board, after careful consideration, has determined that the requirements for the display and the continuing care and preservation of this rare historical print are not consistent with the primary educational mission of the Episcopal Academy, and has therefore recommended its sale at public auction. The proceeds will help strengthen and enhance the Academy's services to its students. [PHILADELPHIA]. An East Prospect of the City of Philadelphia: taken by George Heap from the Jersey Shore, Under the Direction of Nicholas Skull, Surveyor of the Province of Pennsylvania. Engraved by G. Vandergucht, London: Published according to Act of Parliament, 1 September 1754. Panoramic engraving on 4 folio sheets, each approximately 29½ x 23½ in. Condition : Each sheet with old horizontal crease approximately 9 inches from top edge, small losses to sky area unobtrusively mended, the crease neatly reinforced from verso with archival tissue; each with small triangular patches of discoloration in margins (from early mount). Other light, mostly marginal browning or light patches (not affecting images). Sheet 1 : ample margins at left, top and bottom, right side trimmed to platemark in upper portion; upper right edge reinforced from verso with archival tissue; Sheet 2 : ample margins at left, top and bottom, right side trimmed to within platemark; Sheet 3 : ample margins at left, top and bottom, right side trimmed to platemark in lower half; lower right edge reinforced from verso with archival tissue; Sheet 4 : ample margins at right, top and bottom, left side trimmed at or just outside platemark; right edge reinforced from verso with archival tissue. A GRAND PROSPECT OF PHILADELPHIA: A FINE COPY OF THE 1754 SCULL-HEAP EAST PROSPECT FIRST STATE, with misspelling "Skull" at top and bottom of sheet 3. Founded in 1680 on a site between the Delaware and the Schuylkill Rivers, Philadelphia was ideally situated for trade and by the mid 18th century, it had become the principal port on the Atlantic coast as well as the commercial and administrative hub of William Penn's province of Pennsylvania. In 1750, Thomas Penn, son of the founder, requested "a perspective view of the city," as a dramatic advertisement to attract more entrepreneurs, merchants and settlers to the city. George Heap, an accomplished local artist, undertook a detailed rendering, from the perspective of the New Jersey side of the Delaware. In 1752, he and the surveyor of the province, Nicholas Scull, advertised for advance subscribers to an engraving after Heap's drawing. But as he was about to sail for London to have his rendering engraved on copper, Heap suddenly died. Scull took over the project and, in London, entrusted the drawing to the highly regarded Flemish-born engraver, Gerard Vandergucht (1696-1766). The completed engraving was on a monumental scale, requiring four large folio sheets, when joined measuring 82 x 20 inches. It accurately depicts the bustling waterfront of Philadelphia, a windmill on an island and many sailing vessels, pennants flying, plying the broad river. The Penn family coat-of-arms is shown at the bottom of sheet 3, along with dedication to proprietors Thomas and Richard Penn. Sheet 4 features a detailed key, identifying streets, the Courthouse, the Statehouse (Independence Hall), a large number of steepled churches and the recently founded Academy (later the University of Pennsylvania). As Martin Snyder has written, "the use of almost seven feet of paper to portray less than a mile of waterfront, from present-day South Street to Vine Street permitted the details that is its great feature." The Scull-Heap print provides a unique view of the city that would become, a few years later, the seat of the Continental Congress and later, the capital of the newly independent nation. The grand image--the largest and most artistically significant view of any American city of its period--proved tremendously popular, and an initial press run of 500 copies was soon followed by a second of 250 copies (these with the corrected "Scull reading). Clearly, as Snyder writes, "the ravages of time upon such a giant and indeed unwieldy picture readily account for its extreme rarity today." The Scull-Heap engraving was not held in many important collections (Thomas W. Streeter, the Hon. J. William Middendorf, Laird Park, Pflaumer, Jay T. Snider) and we have located only six copies in American institutions: Colonial Williamsburg; Historical Society of Pennsylvania (2 copies, one in poor condition); Independence National Historic Park; New York Public Library (the I.N. Stokes copy); Winterthur Museum. References: Martin P. Snyder, City of Independence: Views of Philadelphia Before 1800 , 42-44; E. McSherry Fowble, Two Centuries of Prints in America: 1680-1880, A Selective Catalogue of the Winterthur Museum Collection , 23; Gloria G. Deak, Picturing America, 1497-1899 , 99 ("largest and most important of the early engraved views of Philadelphia"); Nicholas B. Wainwright, "The Scull-Heap East Prospect of Philadelphia," in Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , vol. 73, pp.16, 22-25; Stokes & Haskell, American Historical Prints , p. 18.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Printed by Benjamin Edes, Watertown, 22 July 1776

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.] The Pennsylvania Ledger: Or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey Weekly Advertiser. Philadelphia: James Humphreys, No. LXXVII, 13 July 1776. In Congress, July 4, 1776.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. The Massachusetts Spy, Or, American Oracle of Liberty. “Undaunted by Tyrants we’ll Die or be Free.” Vol VI, Number 273. Worcester: Printed by W. Stearns and D. Bigelow 17 July 1776.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of human events... Washington: [Imprint at top:] Engraved by W.I. Stone, for the Dept. of State, by Order of J.Q. Adams, Sec y. of State. July 4, 1823.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.] RODNEY, Caesar. Autograph letter signed ("Caesar Rodney"), TO HIS FELLOW DELEGATE TO CONGRESS, GEORGE READ, also signed by John Evans, Lewis [Lewes], Del., 23 June 1776. 2 pages, small 4to, separate integral address leaf (part of that leaf lacking) . Fine.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. Manuscript orderly book, kept by at least two unidentified officers of the Continental Army serving with Washington's forces in New York (probably Brigadier General Gold S. Silliman's Connecticut militia), Headquarters, [8] July 1776 through 21 August 1776.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C., engraved by W.I. Stone, 1823, printed by Peter Force, 1848].

Engraving of Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence

ca. 1829

The Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776

Peter Force, ca. 1833

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of human events... No place, [Philadelphia: Robert P. Smith at the Anastatic Press, 144 Chestnut Street], n.d. [1846]. Imprint "Anastatic fac-simile" in lower left.

The Declaration of Independence

Peter Force, ca.1833

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.,] engraved by W.J. Stone [1823-1825], reprinted 1833 from the same copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally misdated 1848, see below].

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C., engraved by W.I. Stone, 1823, printed by Peter Force, 1848].

The South Carolina Declaration of Independence

Evans & Cogswell, 1860

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of human events... No place, [Philadelphia: Robert P. Smith at the Anastatic Press, 144 Chestnut Street], n.d. [1846]. Imprint "Anastatic fac-simile" in lower left

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.,] engraved by W.J. Stone [1823-1825], reprinted 1833 from the same copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally misdated 1848, see below].

The Declaration of Independence

Peter Force, William Stone, 1833

The Declaration of Independence

Peter Force, c. 1833

The Declaration of Independence

Peter Force, 1833

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – HAWLEY, Gideon (1727-1807). Autograph letter signed (“Gideon Hawley” & “GH” in postscript) to William Phillips in Boston, Mashpee, [Mass.], 24 September 1776.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, SIGNERS.]. A group of 24 letters and documents by Signers of the Declaration. SMITH, James (PA). ADS, 27 December 1783. 1p., 4to . Legal pleading in case of Smith v. Irwin. -- WILSON, James (PA). DS, 24 April 1773. 1p., 4to. An arrest warrant for Conrad Manusmith, signed by Wilson on verso. -- WALTON, George (GA). DS, 4 August 1802. Approving a petition by Benjamin Sims. -- SHERMAN, Roger (CT). ALS to William Moreley, 18 January 1788. 1p., 8vo. A payment order. -- WILLIAMS, William. DS, 29 September 1761. 1p., folio . A land indenture. -- SMITH, James. DS. 15 October 1782. 1p., folio. Legal document in case of McCune v. Means. -- WALTON, George (GA). DS, 13 September 1784. 1p., folio. An award of damages in a lawsuit. -- WHIPPLE, William (NH). ALS to Nathaniel Peabody, 27 December 1779. 2pp., 4to . Reformation of Navy Dept. and political news in New Hampshire and Vermont. -- WHIPPLE, William (NH). DS, 19 September 1776. 1p., oblong 8vo . Signed on verso of pay order for militia. -- WILLIAMS, William (CT). DS, 10 May 1776. 1p., oblong 8vo. Pay order for Lynde Lord. -- STOCKTON, Richard (NJ). Manuscript document signed, 1762. 2pp., folio, repaired . A legal pleading in case of Short v. Rogers. -- WHIPPLE, William (NH). Clipped signature. -- STOCKTON, Richard (NJ). ADS, 2 April 1773. 2pp., folio, losses of paper and text . Legal pleading in Tarr v. Covonhoven. -- SMITH ,James (PA). Partial DS, 6 May 1788. 2pp., 8vo . A power of attorney. -- WILSON, James (PA). Partly printed DS, 27 October 1776. 1p., 4to . Order to Elijah Wickersham on collection of debts. -- WILLIAMS, William (CT). ADS, signed twice, June 1788. 1p., 8vo . Statement of judicial expenses. -- WOLCOTT, Oliver (CT). ADS, 23 November 1780. 1p., oblong 8vo . Statement of judicial costs. -- WILLIAMS, William (CT). DS, 29 November 1780. 1p., oblong 8vo. A pay order for attending a convention. -- THORNTON, Matthew (NH). DS, 29 March 1759. 1p., 4to . Affidavit of expenses. -- STOCKTON, Richard (NJ). DS, 31 March 1775. 1p., folio . An affidavit, signed as Justice of the Peace. -- WILSON, James (PA). DS, 5 March 1794. 1p., oblong . Endorsed on verso by Wilson to Robert Morris. -- RUTLEDGE, Edward (SC). ANS, to unidentified, 16 February 1780. 1p., oblong 12mo . “Be pleased to let my servant have my horse.” -- RUTLEDGE, Edward (SC). DS, 12 August 1783. 1p., oblong folio . A warrant for the arrest of James Browne and Lachlan McIntosh, debtors. -- SHERMAN, Roger (CT). DS, 14 October 1766. 2 pp., folio. Accounting of pay disbursed to judges of the Superior Court. Signed by four others including Jonathan Trumbull. Together 24 items .

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events ... [Washington, D.C.,] engraved by W.J. Stone [1823-1825], reprinted 1833 from the same copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally misdated 1848, see below].

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington] engraved by W.J. Stone (1823-1825), reprinted in 1833 from the original copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives [traditionally mis-dated 1848].

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE — In Congress, July 4, 1776 . The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.] engraved by W.J. Stone (1823-1825), reprinted 1833 from the original copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally mis-dated 1848].

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SIGNERS.] RODNEY, Caesar Signer, Delaware. Autograph document signed (“Caesar Rodney”), Dover, 2 March 1776. 1 page, oblong (3 ¼ x 10in.) the surviving portion of an indenture, signed by Rodney on verso, laid down . Four months to the day before he made his famous ride to reach the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in order to vote in favor of Independence, Rodney here acts as trustee, receiving “of Ezekiel Cowgill the sum of fifty pounds principal, and the sum of twenty three pounds, one shilling and ten pence interest in full discharge of the within mortgage.” -- PACA, William (Signer, Maryland). Letter signed (“Wm. Paca”), as governor, to Charles Biddle, Annapolis, 2 November 1785. 2 pages, 4to, integral address leaf, remnants of mounting on address leaf, Dr. Max Thorek ownership stamp on blank integral. On trying to help seamen suffering from ill treatment. -- MORRIS, Lewis (1726-1798) Signer, New York. Manuscript document signed (“Lewis Morris”), New York, 7 April 1790. 2 pages, oblong 4to, inlaid. Morris acknowledges receipt of ten pounds, ten shillings from State treasurer Gerard Bancker, “for his services in canvassing the votes for a members to the General Government, also for governor, Lt. Governor, & members of the Senate.” He was compensated at a rate of 14 shillings per day. -- McKEAN, Thomas (1734-1817) Signer (Pennsylvania). Autograph letter signed (“Tho McKean” to Joseph Reed, President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia,10 July 1780. 1p. 8vo, 10 x 8 in., integral address leaf, inserted a red morocco folding case with a transcript and an engraved portrait . A cover letter sent with a judicial opinion on the issuance of “a General Warrant to watch for deserters from French ships.” -- LEWIS, Francis (1713-1802) Signer, New York. Autograph endorsement signed (“Frans. Lewis”), 15 June 1772. 2 pages, oblong 8vo (disbound leaf from a receipt book). Lewis signs a receipt for fourteen pounds, six shillings received from Thomas Gardner. -- HOPKINSON, Francis. Collection of eight engraved documents signed (“F. Hopkinson”), as U.S. Commissioner of Loans. A series of United States payment certificates, 1779-1780. Together 8 pages, oblongs, elaborately engraved in four-typefaces. A series of notes, to various recipients, to pay “interest due on Money borrowed by the United States.” Each note signed by Hopkinson in his capacity of treasurer of Loans. -- HOPKINSON, Francis (1737-1791), Signer (Pennsylvania). Partly printed document signed (“Frans. Hopkinson”), in favor of Samuel Mifflin, a CONTINENTAL LOAN OFFICE BILL OF EXCHANGE , issued in Paris, countersigned by Thomas Smith. Number 995, 22 November 1779. 1 page, oblong (4 ¼ x 8 1/8 in.), the ornate borders were designed by Hopkinson, this denomination printed in reddish brown and black inks, neatly matted and framed. (Minor repairs to margins) . A RARE CONTINENTAL LOAN CERTIFICATE, DESIGNED BY HOPKINSON for 60 dollars, in three livres tournois. An early example of an important series of certificates issued by the Congress to fund the American loan during the Revolutionary War. The payments were to be made through bills of exchange drawn against the U. S. line of credit with the French government. The year of this issue, 1779, marked the start of a sharp inflation that continued into the postwar period and caused many holders to sell their notes at greatly depressed prices. These notes appear in various denominations of varying relative rarity. W.G. Anderson, The Price of Liberty, US99, p. 89. -- HEYWARD, Thomas, Jr. (1746-1809), Signer (South Carolina). Partly printed document accomplished and signed ("Thos. Heyward Junr.") as Associate Justice of the Peace, Charleston, 13 January 1788. 1 page, oblong 4to. A warrant by which Heyward directs the sheriff to compel the appearance of Francis Goodwyn in a complaint of plea of trespass brought by Jacob Reed for the sum of 54 pounds. The verso with several endorsements. Heyward served in the second and third Continental Congress and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. -- CARROLL, Charles, of Carrollton (1737-1832), Signer (Maryland). Partly printed document signed (“Ch Carroll of Carrolton”), a check drawn on the Baltimore Office of Discount and Deposit, in favor G. Nielson, in the amount of $103.50. [Baltmore]. 1 page, oblong 8vo , dated 21 February 1831. Carroll was the last surviving Signer at age 95; his advanced age is evident in his shaky signature. The check is in perfect condition, with no slit cancellations. -- RUSH, Benjamin. Signer, Pennsylvania. Autograph letter signed twice (“Benjn. Rush”) and in text (“Dr. Rush”), in third-person, to Henry Clymer, 9 December 1795. 1 page, 4to, integral address panel, foxing, creases and seal hole repaired . THE FAMOUS PHYSICIAN RECEIVING HIS FEE . “Dr. Rush hereby acknowledges the liberal compensation for medical services, rendered to Mr. Henry Clymer, this day received in full of all demands.” -- NELSON, Thomas, Jr. (1738-1789) Signer (Virginia). Autograph document signed, in text (“Colo. Nelson”), 21 September 1776. 1 page, 8vo . Stained and repaired along right edge, costing a few letters. Thomas Nelson writes a receipt to Jacob Hilkeimer for “keeping 5 Horses from the 9th of August to the above Date” and for “keeping your brother’s 2 horses from 10th to the 21st September,” for a total charge of £27.13. Together 11 items .

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.] engraved by W.J. Stone (1823-1825), reprinted 1833 from the original copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally mis-dated 1848, see below].

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events ... [Washington, D.C.,] engraved by W.J. Stone (1823-1825), reprinted 1833 from the original copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally mis-dated 1848, see below].

The Declaration of Independence

Peter Force, ca. 1833

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. TYLER, Benjamin Owen, publisher, Peter MAVERICK, engraver. In Congress, July 4th 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America . When in the course of human events...with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, Washington D.C., Benjamin Owen Tyler, 1818.

NEW JERSEY SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – A set of five items including: WITHERSPOON, John (1722-1792). Autograph letter signed ("Jno Witherspoon") to Robert Gilmer in Baltimore, Princeton, 2 May 1786, concerning financial matters addressed in his hand on the integral leaf. – STOCKTON, Richard (1730-1781). Document signed ("Richd Stockton), n.p., 27 May 1775, a tax assessment legal fees in a court case (weak folds reinforced on verso). – HOPKINSON, Francis (1737-1791). Partly-printed document signed ("Fr. Hopkinson") as Treasurer of Loans, [Philadelphia] 5 October 1780, a French loan certificate. – HART, John (c.1713-1779). Endorsement signed ("John Hart") on the verso of an invoice for billeted soldiers, n.p., 3 January 1761. – CLARK, Abraham (1726-1794). Autograph document signed ("Abra: Clark"), n.p., 22 April 1776, certifying that "Hendrick Fisher Eqr hath Attended the Committee of Safety two days," additionally signed by John HART.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, SIGNERS.] Group of 26 letters and documents by Signers of the Declaration: CLYMER, George (PA). Partly printed check signed, 3 May 1804. 1p., oblong . Four dollars to Bronson and Chauncey (publishers of Gazette of the United States ). -- HEYWARD, Thomas (SC). DS, 13 June 1788. 1p., oblong folio . An arrest warrant for Thomas Roberts. -- ELLERY, William (RI). Partial DS, 3 November 1808. 1p., oblong . Surviving portion of a ship’s manifest. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 13 September 1784. 1p., oblong 8vo. A receipt. -- FLOYD, William (NJ). DS, 27 April 1785. 1p., oblong 8vo . Receipt for state supplies. -- FLOYD, William (NJ). DS, 12 June 1793. 1p., large folio . An indenture. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). AMS, July 1784. 1p., 4to. Order declaring administration of oaths to Benjamin Huntington. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 17 May 1793. 1p., folio. Ornately engraved “Samuel Huntington, Esq.” at top. A militia appointment for Stephen Morgan. -- CLYMER, George (PA). DS, n.d. 1p., oblong 8vo . A receipt for rum duties. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 2 June 1790. 1p., folio, browned . Military appointment for Solomon Newell. -- HOPKINSON, Francis (NJ). DS, 1 February 1779. 1p., oblong 8vo. A 30-day note to Joseph Bullock. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 20 July 1780. 1p., oblong 8vo, vellum. Continental Army appointment for Timothy Allen. -- HOPKINS, Stephen (RI). MDS, 3 March 1756. 1p., oblong 8vo. Pay order for Thomas Cranston. Signed by 3 others. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 19 April 1781. 1p., 8vo . Pay order for James Hilhouse. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, 3 April 1776, as President of Congress. 1p., 4to . Instructions for capture of British vessels and cargo. -- HARRISON, Benjamin (VA). Partial ADS, n.d. 1p., 4to. Accounting of goods belonging to Harrison. -- CLYMER, George (PA). DS, 12 January 1807. A $20 bank note. -- HARRISON, Benjamin (VA). ALS to unidentified, 18 May 1782. 1p., 8vo. Enclosing a report (not included) for the Assembly. -- CLYMER, George. DS, 16 July 1802. 1p., oblong 8vo . Promissory note from Henry Clymer. -- HUNTINGTON, Samuel (CT). DS, as president of Congress, 16 May 1780. 1p., folio . A pay order for James Wilkinson. -- HEYWARD, Thomas (SC). DS, 7 July 1803. 1p., 8vo . Statement of money owed by Heyward. -- HARRISON, Benjamin (VA). DS, 1 June 1782. 1p., folio, split, tape repairs . A land grant to James Harrod. -- GERRY, Elbridge (MA). DS, 7 March 1811, 1p., folio, fine condition. An appointment, making Henry Weld Fuller a justice of the peace. -- HARRISON, Benjamin (VA). DS, signed twice, 22 Dec. 1785. 2pp., folio . An agreement for the purchase of 20,000 acres of land in the Ohio Valley. -- GERRY, Elbridge (MA). DS, 22 May 1812. 1p., oblong folio, browned . An appointment making Daniel Longfellow a Lt. of militia. -- [DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.] Engraved document, Facsimile Signatures to the Declaration of Independence. E. McCabe, engraver. Washington: n.d. 1p., folio , laid down. Together 26 items.

JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826), author of the Declaration of Independence, President . Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), AS PRESIDENT, to General Samuel Smith (1752-1839), Washington, 10 October 1801; WITH AUTOGRAPH FREE FRANK SIGNED ("Th: Jefferson"). 1 page, 4to, blank integral, small closed tears and losses at extremities of creases (not affecting text), slight spotting .

ISRAEL -- DECLARATION OF THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF ISRAEL

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE . In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events... [Washington, D.C.] engraved by W.J. Stone (1823-1825), reprinted 1833 from the original copperplate, for Peter Force's American Archives (1837-1853), [Traditionally mis-dated 1848, see below]. Folio broadside (29 3/8 x 25 3/8 in.). Folded. Light age-toning, slight offsetting as is often the case, rough left margin, two marginal tears, else very good.

[DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.] Group of 25 letters and documents by Signers of the Declaration. LEE, Richard Henry (VA). ADS, n.d. [ca. 1761] 1p., oblong 12mo . Burned at top edge. Receipt for 5 pounds eight shillings from George Washington. Docketed by Washington on verso. -- McKEAN, Thomas. LS (circular) to Gov. Greene, 21 September 1781. 1p., 4to, fine . Enclosing (not present) Acts of Congress. -- McKEAN, Thomas (PA). DS, 4 August 1786. 1p., folio, ornately engraved . Land grant to Michael Breitinger. -- LIVINGSTON, Philip (NY). DS, 14 Feb. 1760. 1p., 8vo. Notarized affidavit in a libel suit, Lydeck v. Lydebach. -- [MORRIS, Robert (PA)]. Draft letter, unsigned from Morris to John Paul Jones (a copy sent to John Langdon), 18 February 1782. 2pp., folio . The building of the ship America and regretting Jones’s feud with Langdon. -- RUSH Benjamin. ALS to unidentified, 9 October 1804. 2pp., 4to . A letter of introduction for a teacher. -- MORRIS, Robert (PA). DS, 14 August 1797. 1p., oblong, browned . Receipt for North American land Co. -- PAINE, Robert Treat (MA). AMS, 19 December 1787. 1p., 4to . Legal pleading on behalf of James Lovel. -- MORRIS, Robert (PA). DS, 31 October 1776. 1p., oblong 8vo, stained . Ordering a pilot for the ship Mary & Elizabeth , “in the Continental service.” -- MORTON, John (PA). DS, 3 April 1772. A one-shilling Pennsylvania note. -- READ, GEORGE (de). Ds, 3 December 1752. 1p., 4to . Legal filing in Schultze v. Wink. -- ROSS, George (PA). ADS, ca. January 1776. 1p., folio, browned . Legal pleading in Zuntzinger v. Woodward. -- ROSS, George (PA). ADS, April 1751. 1p., folio . Legal pleading in Mifflin v. Buchanan. -- READ, George (DE). ADS, Nov. 1778. 1p., 12mo . Legal pleading in McGiver v. Toppin. PACA, William (MD). ADS, 17 Dec. 1796. A promissory note to John Kerney. -- PENN, John (NC). DS (“J.P.”), 1 August 1785. 1p., oblong, 4to. Legal pleading in Bristow v. Springfield. -- ROSS, George (PA). ADS, ca. December 1759. 3pp., folio. Deposition in case of John Everly. -- [MORRIS, Robert (PA).] Partly printed DS, 22 July 1793. 1p., folio . Land transfer with May 1794 notation noting transfer to Morris. -- MORRIS, Robert (PA). DS, 12 May 1795. 1p., oblong 8vo . Signed on verso of $1,500 promissory note from John Nicholson. -- PAINE, Robert Treat (MA). DS, 3 June 1767. 1p., oblong 8vo . Ordering a defendant to appear. -- MORTON, John (PA). DS, 26 July 1776. 1p., oblong folio . Appointing George Waln a major in Bucks Co. militia. -- LIVINGSTON, Philip. DS, 11 October 1768. 1p., oblong folio . Naming Isaac Vroman captain of a company of militia. -- PENN, John. Two DS, 16 March 1775 and 17 April 1765. A land grant to John Gibson (1p., folio, vellum, with pendant seal) and a land grant for Peter Bixler (1p., folio, vellum). -- PENN, John. DS, 12 October 1776. 1p., folio, vellum . A land grant to Richard Wister. No no. -- MORTON, John (PA). Clipped signature, on a receipt, n.d. Together 25 items.