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ANOTHER PROPERTY
ADAMS, John (1735-1826), President. Autograph document signed ("John Adams"), Boston, 25 August 1772. 1 page, 8vo, fine condition.
Details
ADAMS, John (1735-1826), President. Autograph document signed ("John Adams"), Boston, 25 August 1772. 1 page, 8vo, fine condition.
ADAMS'S BILL OF COSTS ON A JUDGMENT WON BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
An unusual document highlighting a future President's successful career at the bar, and linking him to another well-known patriot. Benjamin Franklin won a judgment in July 1771 in the "Inferiour Court of Common Pleas" against "Samuel Hall for one hundred & seventy-seven pounds and sixteen shillings, Lawfull Money of Great Britain Debt and costs of suit; from which Judgment [Hall] appealed to this Honourable Court, and recognized to prosecute the same, but failed to do so: Wherefore the Complainant prays Affirmation of the said Judgment with additional interest & costs." The extra costs consisted of seven shillings in attorneys fees and four shillings sixpence for three days of attendance at Court. Adams set up his legal practice in Boston in 1768, and by 1772 it was thriving, thanks in no small part to his role in several high-profile cases. He defended John Hancock on smuggling charges in 1768 and in 1770 won acquittal for Captain Thomas Preston and the six other British soldiers accused of perpetrating the Boston Massacre. Here, Adams evidently performed some legal work for still another leading colonial name, Benjamin Franklin.
ADAMS'S BILL OF COSTS ON A JUDGMENT WON BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
An unusual document highlighting a future President's successful career at the bar, and linking him to another well-known patriot. Benjamin Franklin won a judgment in July 1771 in the "Inferiour Court of Common Pleas" against "Samuel Hall for one hundred & seventy-seven pounds and sixteen shillings, Lawfull Money of Great Britain Debt and costs of suit; from which Judgment [Hall] appealed to this Honourable Court, and recognized to prosecute the same, but failed to do so: Wherefore the Complainant prays Affirmation of the said Judgment with additional interest & costs." The extra costs consisted of seven shillings in attorneys fees and four shillings sixpence for three days of attendance at Court. Adams set up his legal practice in Boston in 1768, and by 1772 it was thriving, thanks in no small part to his role in several high-profile cases. He defended John Hancock on smuggling charges in 1768 and in 1770 won acquittal for Captain Thomas Preston and the six other British soldiers accused of perpetrating the Boston Massacre. Here, Adams evidently performed some legal work for still another leading colonial name, Benjamin Franklin.
Sale room notice
The illustration for this Lot, on page 110 in the catalogue, is mistakenly identified as Lot 162.