ADAMS, John (1735-1801). Manuscript promissory note signed ("John Adams"), Quincy [Mass.], 29 March 1802. 1 page, oblong (4½ x 7¼ in.), light mat-burn.
ADAMS, John (1735-1801). Manuscript promissory note signed ("John Adams"), Quincy [Mass.], 29 March 1802. 1 page, oblong (4½ x 7¼ in.), light mat-burn.

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ADAMS, John (1735-1801). Manuscript promissory note signed ("John Adams"), Quincy [Mass.], 29 March 1802. 1 page, oblong (4½ x 7¼ in.), light mat-burn.

A promissory note from the former President, dated exactly a year after his one term in office ended with the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson: "For value received I promise to pay Mr. Thomas Thaxter Junr. or order [$1125.50], in twelve months from this date, with interest until paid." To the left is the signature of a witness to the debt, Cotton Tufts (1732-1815), a leading physician in Massachusetts as well as a relative, long-time friend and correspondent of John Adams.

Printed checks of John Adams are extremely rare. The sole example we have traced was part of a collection formed by the late Philip D. Sang, sold at Christie's, 10 December 1999, lot 177.

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