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Details
STONE, Thomas (1743-1787), Signer (Maryland). Autograph letter signed ("T Stone"), ALSO SIGNED BY SIGNER SAMUEL CHASE, to an unidentified correspondent, n.p., 18 February 1785. 1½ pages, folio small tear at center fold, otherwise in very fine condition.
TWO SIGNERS AGREE TO SERVE AS COUNSEL, BUT WITH CAREFUL CONDITIONS
AUTOGRAPH LETTERS OF STONE ARE RARE. An interesting document dated during the Confederation period, spelling out the terms on which Chase and Stone agree to serve as counsels-at-law: "...we agree to be concerned as Counsel for the State in all suits you may think necessary to bring and we are of the opinion ought to be supported and also in all cases where it may be proper to defend on behalf of the State...and to advise...in all cases which may arise...where you may desire our opinion and advice as lawyers...." The two Signers agree to accept the sum offered as compensation, but "if the business shall be more extensive and troublesome than is excepted...you will make such addition as you may think right...." The two attornies also agree "that if services are not rendered by us equal to the money paid, or that your constituents should think it was unnecessary to engage us...that we will return the money or any part of it not earned by us. We esteem this explanation necessary at the time we accept your proposal and hope it will be thought right. It will always give us pleasure to promote the interest of the state and to render the execution of your office easy and agreeable...." Only one other full ALS of Stone is recorded at auction by ABPC since 1975 (an ALS to his brother, Christie's, 14 May 1985, lot 84, $1,600).
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1778, part lot 262).
TWO SIGNERS AGREE TO SERVE AS COUNSEL, BUT WITH CAREFUL CONDITIONS
AUTOGRAPH LETTERS OF STONE ARE RARE. An interesting document dated during the Confederation period, spelling out the terms on which Chase and Stone agree to serve as counsels-at-law: "...we agree to be concerned as Counsel for the State in all suits you may think necessary to bring and we are of the opinion ought to be supported and also in all cases where it may be proper to defend on behalf of the State...and to advise...in all cases which may arise...where you may desire our opinion and advice as lawyers...." The two Signers agree to accept the sum offered as compensation, but "if the business shall be more extensive and troublesome than is excepted...you will make such addition as you may think right...." The two attornies also agree "that if services are not rendered by us equal to the money paid, or that your constituents should think it was unnecessary to engage us...that we will return the money or any part of it not earned by us. We esteem this explanation necessary at the time we accept your proposal and hope it will be thought right. It will always give us pleasure to promote the interest of the state and to render the execution of your office easy and agreeable...." Only one other full ALS of Stone is recorded at auction by ABPC since 1975 (an ALS to his brother, Christie's, 14 May 1985, lot 84, $1,600).
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1778, part lot 262).