SAMUEL ADAMS

ORDERS PAYMENT BE MADE TO A REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSIONER

ADAMS, SAMUEL.  (1722-1803).  American patriot; Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; a leader in the movement that became the American Revolution;  one of the architects of the principles of American republicanism that shaped the political culture of the United States.  Uncommon Partly-Printed Document Signed, “S. Adams”, as Governor of Massachusetts.  One full page, quarto.  Boston, February 27, 1796.  Very fine condition.  Docketed on verso:  “The Selectmen of Chelmsford Warrant — dated February 27, 1796, Pensioner—$52 dollars, Rec’d payment in full on order — Daniel Proctor”.  The document reads:

 

“By his Excellency, the Governor.  You are by and with the Advice and Consent of Council, ordered and directed to Pay unto The Selectmen of the Town of Chelmsford for the use of Capt. Matthew Chambers, a pensioner the Sum of Fifty-two Dollars to be applied for his support and maintainance [sic] agreeable to a resolve of the 27 of February 1794 in full for one year’s pension to 27 inst. for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.  Given under my Hand, at Boston, the 27 Day of February 1796 in the 20th Year of American Independence.  52 Dollars, By Order of the Governor, with the Advice and Consent of Council, S. Adams.  John Avery, Secretary.  To Thomas Davis Esq. Treasurer.” 

 

A native of Massachusetts and cousin of second President John Adams, Samuel Adams was involved in state politics for much of his life.  Actively opposed to British taxes on American imports, Adams led a boycott of trade between the two countries after England’s Parliament tried to close Boston harbor.  In 1774, Adams was sent as one of the Massachusetts representatives to the first Continental Congress, a position he maintained until 1781.  Upon his return to Boston, Adams supported the ratification of the Constitution and served as the Governor of Massachusetts from 1793 to 1797. Financially related documents by the Signers of the Declaration of Independence are difficult to obtain, and his autograph has always been somewhat more difficult to obtain than a number of other Revolutionary War figures.  Just a fine specimen worthy of inclusion in any collection.                                                  

 

$7500.00