![HEWES, Joseph (1730 - 1779), Signer (North Carolina). Partly printed document accomplished and signed ("Joseph Hewes," with large flourish), [Edenton?, North Carolina], 20 May 1765. Folio, small papered seal at lower left, BOLDLY ACCOMPLISHED IN INK BY HEWES. In fine, untrimmed condition. With a very fine, flourished Hewes signature.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2006/NYR/2006_NYR_01636_0010_000(120829).jpg?w=1)
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HEWES, Joseph (1730 - 1779), Signer (North Carolina). Partly printed document accomplished and signed ("Joseph Hewes," with large flourish), [Edenton?, North Carolina], 20 May 1765. Folio, small papered seal at lower left, BOLDLY ACCOMPLISHED IN INK BY HEWES. In fine, untrimmed condition. With a very fine, flourished Hewes signature.
A promissory note by which John Craven of Edenton acknowledges that he is "held and firmly bound" to pay Samuel Swift or his heirs the sum of £122 on or before 17 May 1767 "with lawful interest from the date without any fraud or further delay." At the botton right, Hewes and one George Brownrigg sign as witnesses to the debt. Hewes, raised a Quaker, disavowed that faith and became a strong supporter of the non-importation policies and other revolutionary moves. He played a key role as chairman of Congress's Marine Committee, though he initially opposed the call for Independence and even voted against the measure in spite of instructions from his state. His health worsened, largely through overwork, and he died in Philadelphia in November 1779, a few months after returning there to attend the Continental Congress. As a result of his untimely death, Hewes's letters and documents are uncommon.
A promissory note by which John Craven of Edenton acknowledges that he is "held and firmly bound" to pay Samuel Swift or his heirs the sum of £122 on or before 17 May 1767 "with lawful interest from the date without any fraud or further delay." At the botton right, Hewes and one George Brownrigg sign as witnesses to the debt. Hewes, raised a Quaker, disavowed that faith and became a strong supporter of the non-importation policies and other revolutionary moves. He played a key role as chairman of Congress's Marine Committee, though he initially opposed the call for Independence and even voted against the measure in spite of instructions from his state. His health worsened, largely through overwork, and he died in Philadelphia in November 1779, a few months after returning there to attend the Continental Congress. As a result of his untimely death, Hewes's letters and documents are uncommon.