Charles Thomson Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Charles Thomson Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 13, 2024
Charles Thomson and Fulwar Skipwith Signed Documents
Est: $500 - $700
Charles Thomson and Fulwar Skipwith Signed Documents (2) items including a Charles Thomson 1777 excerpt from the Continental Congress minutes, signed lower right, previous owner inscription on the reverse (4.75-inches by 9.5-inches) as well as a Fulwar Skipwith 1814 resolution, signed lower right, both ink laid on paper Property from: a Private Collector, Wilmette, Illinois Sheet Size: 10 inches by 7 7/8 inches Category: Collectibles > Ephemera Estimated Sale Time: 10:06 am CST Shipping Status: Leonard Auction, Inc. will provide direct shipping for this lot. Please visit our website for a shipping estimate. Last modified: September 19, 2024, 11:09 am
Leonard Auction
Aug. 07, 2024
Continental Congress Seeks to Stabilize Competing Currencies, 1778
Est: $300 - $400
Charles Thomson [Philadelphia, PA], October 5, 1778; January 16, 1806 Continental Congress Seeks to Stabilize Competing Currencies, 1778 MD This copy of a resolution passed by the Continental Congress was originally certified by Congressional Secretary Charles Thomson. This later copy erroneously spells his surname as "Thompson." With this resolution, the members of Congress asked the states to honor their formerly circulating currency that individuals had used to purchase loan office certificates and lottery tickets from the United States. Otherwise, the state bills of credit, which the states no longer accepted for payments, would be worthless to the United States. [CHARLES THOMSON.] Manuscript Document, Copy of Excerpt from Minutes of Congress Signed by Charles Thomson (misspelled "Thompson"), October 5, 1778, [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]. 1 p., 7.25" x 9.5". Expected folds; soiling on folds; general toning. With: John Elliott, Autograph Document Signed, Receipt, to Charles Thomson, January 16, 1806, n.p. 1 p., 8.5" x 4.5". Expected folds; general toning. Complete Transcript In Congress 5th Octobr 1778 Whereas it is represented by severall Commissioners of Continental Loan Offices that they have received for Loan Officer Certificates & Lottery tickets of the United States considerable sums in Bills of credit emitted by States, who by Acts of their respective Legislatures have stopped the circulation of such bills. Resolved that it be recommended to the said States to direct their Treasurers to receive such Bills of credit from the said Commissioners respectively, & deliver in exchange Continental Currency to the amount thereof, the said Commissioners declaring on Oath if required, that such Bills were received by them in Virtue of their Office. Extract from the minutes Charles Thompson Secrety Copy [Account; Receipt:] Charles Thomson Esqr Jany 16th 1806 Bot of John Elliott 1 Loaf Sugar7. 8. @ 2/ 15 2 oz Thread 2.6 17.6 Recd payment Jno Elliott [File Note on verso in Thomson's hand:] J Elliot / Jany 16, 1806 Historical Background Charles Thomson of Pennsylvania served as Secretary of the Continental and Confederation Congresses throughout their entire fifteen-year existence. With a very small executive department, the role was much more than clerical, and some considered him as essentially the "Prime Minister of the United States." The Continental Congress frequently issued bills of credit, also known as Continentals, to help fund the Revolutionary War. Because of inflation, these Continentals rapidly declined in value. The thirteen original states also issued debt certificates to help pay for the costs of the war. Massachusetts was the first state to do so, beginning in 1776. Both states and the national government also experimented with lotteries to fund the war, largely unsuccessfully. Charles Thomson (1729-1824) was born in Ireland to Scots-Irish parents. After his mother's death, his father set out with his sons to the British colonies in North America, but his father died at sea, and Thomson and his brothers were separated in America. A blacksmith in Delaware cared for him, and he received an education in Pennsylvania. In 1750, he became a Latin tutor in Philadelphia. After becoming a leader of Philadelphia's Sons of Liberty, he served as secretary to the Continental and Confederation Congresses through their entire history, from 1774 to 1789. Thomson and Congress President John Hancock were the only two men to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In 1782, Thomson took the work of three previous committees to create a final design for the Great Seal of the United States. Thomson remained the keeper of the seal until the creation of the new federal government, when the role passed to the Secretary of State. In April 1789, Thomson traveled to Mount Vernon to notify George Washington of his election as the first president. He resigned as secretary of Congress in July 1789, and political disagreements kept him from a position in the new federal government. He retired to a home named "Harriton" in suburban Philadelphia and spent the next two decades preparing the first English translation from the Greek Septuagint of the Old Testament and the first American translation of the New Testament, published in 1808. He continued to live at "Harriton" until his death. John Elliot (1761-1841) was a merchant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.
University Archives
Apr. 25, 2018
Charles Thomson, "An Enquiry into the Cause of the Alienation of the Delaware and Shawanese Indians from the British Interest", J. W...
Est: $4,000 - $8,000
Charles Thomson, "An Enquiry into the Cause of the Alienation of the Delaware and Shawanese Indians from the British Interest" J. Wilkie, London, England, 1759 First edition, with folding map. Leaf Size: 8 5/16 x 4 15/16 in. PROVENANCE: A few internal pencil annotations, ink ownerships of James Moon, dated 1761 and ink ownership of Charles Moon on front free end paper, back free end paper excised
Freeman's | Hindman
Sep. 09, 2014
CHARLES THOMSON
Est: $150 - $200
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. A.D.S., 1p. 12mo., Raritan, Feb. 27, 1822, an order to the Cashier of the Bank of Pennsylvania to pay Sarah Hagey the sum of $25.00. Two very clean cut cancels with no paper loss, one touching signature but barely discernable, else fine.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 30, 2012
Thomson, Charles
Est: $600 - $800
Thomson, Charles. (1729-1824) Patriot leader and sole the secretary of the Continental Congress (1774-1789); with William Barton he designed the Great Seal of the United States. Autograph Document Signed ("Chas Thomson"), one page, 12 1/2 x 8 in., n.p., July 27, 1796. A document certifying that one Jonathan Ratcliff, who had a horse stolen from him, lived on Thomson's farm, and that Ratcliff recovered the horse the following week from Felix Herbert. Thomson lists Ratcliff's expenses in going to Princeton to recover the horse. Very good; toned and lightly soiled; some edge splits. Boldly penned and signed. Estimated Value $600 - 800.
Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
Mar. 30, 2011
CHARLES THOMSON
Est: $500 - $700
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. L.S. 1p. legal folio, "Office of Secretary of Congress" [New York], Dec. 3, 1785 to the Governor of Georgia transmitting "... a list [not present] of the States represented, and of the members, who appeared in Congress from the meeting thereof on the first Monday in November, to the end of the Month. The Journals of Congress for that time do not fill more than half a sheet, which is the reason why they were not printed and transmitted herewith..." Evenly toned, usual folds, else very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2010
CHARLES THOMSON - Current Bid: $260.00
Est: $500 - $700
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency.Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 2pp. legal folio, Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1785 to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards two complete copies of the official "Journal" of for 1784 for use by the state's executive and judicial branches. Thomson further asks that the governor comply with Congress' resulution of July 267, 1785 requesting: "thirteen copies of the Legislative Acts thereof since the first September 1774...". Light toning, else very boldly penned and very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2010
CHARLES THOMSON - Current Bid: $160.00
Est: $300 - $400
CHARLES THOMSON Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 2pp. legal folio, Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1785 to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards two complete copies of the official "Journal" of for 1784 for use by the state's executive and judicial branches. Thomson further asks that the governor comply with Congress' resolution of July 267, 1785 requesting: "...thirteen copies of the Legislative Acts thereof since the first September 1774...". Light toning, else very boldly penned and very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 14, 2010
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
THOMSON, CHARLES Autograph document signed ("Cha. Thomson"), 1 page (9 3/4 x 8 in.; 248 x 204 mm), an "extract from the Minutes" of the Continental Congress, [Philadelphia], 8 [December] 1775; formerly folded, fold tears and two small holes mended obscuring the month in the date. Half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped red leather title label on spine.
Sotheby's
Apr. 14, 2010
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
THOMSON, CHARLES Autograph letter signed ("Cha. Thomson"), 1 page (8 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.; 215 x 165 mm), [Philadelphia], 16 December 1778, to Charles Lee (in Philadelphia); formerly folded, silked on verso, clean lateral tear through the text with residue of cello tape repair.
Sotheby's
May. 13, 2009
CHARLES THOMSON
Est: $400 - $600
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. 4to., Philadelphia, June 1, 1786 to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards "a state of the representation in Congress for the last two months, to be communicated to your Legislature...". Light offsetting, else very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Nov. 06, 2008
CHARLES THOMSON
Est: $500 - $700
CHARLES THOMSON Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 2pp. legal folio, Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1785 to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards two complete copies of the official "Journal" of for 1784 for use by the state's executive and judicial branches. Thomson further asks that the governor comply with Congress' resolution of July 267, 1785 requesting: "...thirteen copies of the Legislative Acts thereof since the first September 1774...". Light toning, else very boldly penned and very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 29, 2008
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $700 - $900
54A. CHARLES THOMSON A.D.S. 1p. legal folio, [Lower Merion, Penn.] July 27, 1796, a bill for the recovery of a stolen horse by one Jonathan Ratcliff (who signs the document with his mark). In part: "...The thief who stole my horse which I recovered by means of Felix Herbert of Princeton. To cash paid to Felix Herbert for his expenses and time & trouble in coming to give notice of his having stopt my horse...To a man & horse Dispatched to Philad[elphi]a. in Search of the horse...To advertising the horse...To expenses of my self & my son going to Princeton to claim & prove my horse & for the keeping of my horse from the time he was stopt. till I got him...". At bottom, Thomson certifies that "...the above signed Jonathan Ratcliff who lives on my farm had a horse stolen out of the pasture the night of the 7th this July...". Light foxing, irregular margins small pin holes at fold intersections, else very good condition. $200-300
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Apr. 29, 2008
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $600 - $800
54. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. legal folio, Philadelphia, Dec. 3, 1785, a circular sent to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards an Act of Congress of Dec. 2, 1785 naming John Temple to serve as Consul General of the United Kingdom "throughout the United States". Toned in some places, still boldly written and overall very good. These were trying times in American-British relations. Now at war with France, Britain had widened its attacks on neutral ships to include any trading with the French West Indies. Widespread depredations followed and over 250 American ships were seized. At the same time, the British were inciting Indians on the Northwest border. Washington responded to these threats by urging Congress to take defensive measures while at the same time sending John Jay to London to explore the possibility of reaching an accommodation with the British.$600-800
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Nov. 28, 2007
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $400 - $600
35. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. A.L.S. 1p. legal folio, "Office of Secretary of Congress", Dec. 3, 1785 to the Governor of Georgia transmitting "...A list of the States represented, and of the members, who appeared in Congress from the meeting thereof on the first Monday in November, to the end of the Month. The Journals of Congress, for that time do not fill more than half a sheet, which is the reason why they are not printed and transmitted herewith...". Light toning at folds, otherwise very good. $400-600
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 17, 2007
THOMSON CHARLES
Est: $300 - $400
676. CHARLES THOMSON L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. 4to., [New York], Aug. 24, 1785 to the Governor of Georgia transmitting "...Sundry Acts of the United States in Congress Assembled, touching the representation of the States and leave to request that you would be pleased to l ay them before the Legislature of your State..." Partial fold separation, light toning, otherwise very good. $300-400
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 17, 2007
THOMSON CHARLES
Est: $250 - $350
675. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. legal folio, [New York], February 15, 1786, a circular letter addressed to the Governor of Georgia enclosing "...an act for the United States in Congress Assembled respecting the system of General Revenue recommended in the Act of the 18th April 1783, and a Schedule of the French and Dutch Loans, shewing the periods of their redemption with the Annual Interest payable thereon, until their final extinction, for which provision is yet to be made... As the United States in Congress Assembled are exceedingly anxious, that the several States should come to a decision on this subject as soon as possible..." Light toning, otherwise very good. $250-350
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 25, 2007
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $800 - $1,200
CHARLES THOMSON Manuscript D.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. legal folio, [New York], Oct. 25, 1785, addressed to the Governor of Georgia. Thomson transmits: "...Copies of the continuation of the Journal of Congress....also a list of the states represented, and of the members who have appeared in Congress during the last month and have to request the favour of your Excellency to lay it before your legislature...". Light toning, else boldly penned and very good. $800-1,200
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 25, 2007
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. Important manuscript D.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. legal folio, [New York], Mar. 4, 1786, addressed to the Governor of Georgia. Thomson transmits: "...an Act passed yesterday by the United States in Congress, together with a Copy of their Recommendations of the 30th April 1784 which are again presented to the view of your state. As a longer delay in complying with these recommendations must be attended with very great Evils, the Legislature of your State is most earnestly called upon to grant powers conformable thereto... ". The act passed by Congress on March 3rd read: "...Resolved, That the recommendations of the 30 of April, 1784, be again presented to the view of the States of Delaware, South Carolina and Georgia, and that they be most earnestly called upon to grant powers conformable thereto". The state is reminded of the resolve of April 30, 1784 which read: "..That it be, and it hereby is recommended to the legislatures of the several states, to vest the United States in Congress assembled, for the term of fifteen years, with power to prohibit any goods, wares or merchandize from being imported into or exported from any of the states, in vessels belonging to or navigated by the subjects of any power with whom these states shall not have formed treaties of Commerce". That resolution was passed in reaction to Great Britain's adopted regulations which severely hampered American commerce with the West Indies and other nations, and was this fledgling nation's attempt to counteract Britain's powerful stranglehold on American trade. Light toning at margins, else boldly penned and very good$1,000-1,500
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 24, 2007
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $400 - $600
CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. L.S. "Cha Thomson ", 1p. legal folio, Office of the Secretary of Congress, Jan. 12, 1786, a letter of transmittal sending a copy of a report made to Congress. In part: "...herewith enclosed a copy of a report made to Congress in obedience to their order of the 2d of this month. If I have omitted any of the Acts passed by your state in compliance with the recommendations specified in the order...pleased to inform me thereof, and transmit to me a copy of the Acts that are omitted. " Very bold ink, with some toning. Good condition. $400-600
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Oct. 15, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $500 - $700
749. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. L.S. "Chas Thomson", 1p. legal folio, "Office of the Secretary of Congress" [New York], August 22, 1785, a circular letter transmitting "...an act of Congress touching the disrespectful and indecent conduct of Capt. Stanhope as stated in a Letter of the 8[th] from His Excellency the governor of Massachusetts and manifested in a Correspondence between His Excellency and Said Captain.-- Although Congress have not thought it expedient to make this a public Act, they have nevertheless ordered a Copy..." An interesting letter transmitting details of what appears to be the first major diplomatic incident between Great Britain and the United States after the 1783 peace treaty. Offered together with CHARLES THOMSON, manuscript D.S., 14pp. 4to., [New York], 1785, a complete transcript of the correspondence related to the incident which involved Captain H.E. Stanhope of the HMS Mercury who called on Boston in August, 1785. When he and his officers disembarked and visited the town, they found their reception by the locals cool to say the very least. According to an angry letter from Stanhope to Governor Bowdin of Massachusetts on August 1, 1785 he complained of "...the continued insults, and disgraceful indignities offer'd by hundred in this Town to me and my Officers, which further to we have wink'd at as well as the most illiberal and indecent Language with which the news papers have been filled, nor should I have troubled you now had I not been pursued and my life as well as that of one of Officers been endangere'd by the violent rage of a Mob yesterday Evening without provocation of any sort..." Captain Stanhope then requested that Bowdin "...adopt such measures as may discover the ringleaders of the part that assassinated me and bring them to public justice as well as protect us from further insult..." The same day Bowdin politely responded: "...It is a great misfortune that the Subjects or Citizens of different Countries, which have been at enmity, cannot easily recover that degree off good humour, which should induce them to treat each other with proper decorum, when the Governments to which they respectively belong have entered into a Treaty of Amity... But you must have observed that disturbances, arising from this Source, too frequently happen especially in populous Seaport Towns..." Bowdin continues in this diplomatic tone noting that both foreign visitors and citizens are both subject to and protected by the law, and if a law has been broken, those responsible would be punished. This was not enough for Stanhope who replied the following day: "...I have never receiv'd a Letter so insulting to my Senses, as your answer to my requisition of yesterday. I am however please'd in finding a much better disposition in the first class of Inhabitants, whose assistance I am happy to acknowledge as the more acceptable after your apparent Evasion from the substance of my Letter..." Bowdin responded: "...I hereby let you know, that as the Letter is conceived in terms of insolence and abuse, altogether unprovoked, I shall take Such measures concerning it, as the dignity of my Station, and a just regard to the honor of this Commonwealth, connected with the honor of the United States in general Shall require." At this point, Bowdin referred the issue to the Continental Congress who backed the governor's conduct. The matter was also referred to the American minister at the Court of George III. Due to the relative military weakness of the United States at the time, Congress chose not to pass a public act on the issue so as not to further inflame the situation and provoke another war, which the United States could ill-afford. It was very much in character for Captain Stanhope to act in such a manner, as he was known in social circles to be pompous and self-important. According to the diary of Benjamin Marston, a Boston-born Loyalist who encountered the captain in 1784 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stanhope was: "...a very well bred man, master of the whole etiquette of polite ceremony. His main scope is to appear of importance on every occasion, which unavoidably leads him to make himself a little hero of each tale. Upon the whole he is not a disagreeable man in company, and may, by a little tickling of his vanity, be induced to serve this settlement very essentially..." A wonderful and historic set of documents. Light folds and soiling, 14 page document, has been bound with string at top, light soiling, otherwise very good. $500-700
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Oct. 14, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $400 - $500
40. CHARLES THOMSON Important A.D.S. "Chas Thomson", 2pp. legal folio, [Philadelphia], Nov. 14, 1780, a copy of a resolve of the Continental Congress recommending to the state legislatures to execute those caught supplying the British. The resolve reads in part: "Whereas it is represented by the Commander in Chief that he Enemy at New York desire great supplies of provisions from a trade with the adjacent states... Resolved that it be... recommended to the Legislatures of the respective States, by whom hat not already been done to inflict capital punishment on all Such persons as Shall directly or indirectly supply the Enemy with provisions or military or naval stores..." By virtue of their ample supply of hard currency, the British, based primarily in New York, were able to purchase supplies from the surrounding countryside. Congress and the Army, armed with only worthless paper currency and promissory notes, were no competition, thus necessitating such strong measures to dissuade farmers from selling to the British. Fold separations repaired, marginal losses and losses along fold affect signature and several words of text. Estimated accordingly. $400-500
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 04, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $500 - $700
590. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. L.S. "Chas Thomson" 1p. legal folio, "Office of the Secretary of State" [New York], Aug. 3, 1785 to the Governor of Georgia noting the enclosure of "...my letter of the 28 July which accompanied an Act of the United States in Congress assembled passed of the 27th., and to which I hope to be honored with an answer as soon as convenient. I embrace the present opportunity of forwarding two Copies of the Continuation of the Journal of Congress to the 29 July, one for the Legislature and the other for the Executive branch of Government..." Usual folds, light toning at top, else very good. $500-700
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2006
(THOMSON, CHARLES)
Est: $300 - $400
32. (CHARLES THOMSON) A manuscript document (signed by secretary), 2pp. 4to., [Philadelphia], Dec. 18 & 19, 1781, a copy of two resolutions the Continental Congress extracted from the minutes. The first resolve, dated Dec. 18, concerns the recruiting service recommending "...to the Legislature of each State to appoint one or more places at such the Recruits thereof shall rendezvous to supply such Recruits with provisions from the time of their being mustered until they shall join the Army and to give notice of the place or places so appointed to the Commander in Chief or the Commanding Officer of the Southern Department, who upon receiving such notice will send to each place of Rendezvous a judicious faithfull [sic] officer, whose duty it shall be to muster the Recruits..." The second resolution, dated Dec. 19, authorizes "...the Superintendent of Finance shall find it convenient and proper to provide by Contract for supplying the Recruits at and from the places of Rendezvous until they join the Army, the States may be relieved form that duty..." Light soiling at folds, a few pinholes, otherwise very good. $300-400
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $700 - $1,000
31. CHARLES THOMSON L.S. "Cha Thomson" as Secretary of Congress, 1p. 8vo., January 3, 1786, in part: "In obedience to the order of Congress I herewith transmit to your Excellency to be communicated to the Legislature a state of the representation for the last month..." Bold ink with some toning, very good. $700-1,000
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $800 - $1,200
30. CHARLES THOMSON Fine content D.S. "Chas Thomson Secy", 3pp. legal folio, [Philadelphia], Feb. 17, 1783 and Apr. 18, 1783, a set of two resolves of The Continental Congress including a resolve regulating how the states will contribute to the common defense: "...by the eighth article of the confederation and perpetual union, it is agreed and declared, that all charges of war, and all other expences for the common defense or general welfare...shall be defrayed out of a common treasury, which shall be supplied by the several states in proportion to the value of all land within each state...land and the buildings and improvements thereon..." The other resolve sets uniform customs duties on certain articles including "...rum of Jamaica...all other spirituous liquors...Madeira wine...all other wines...bohea tea...pepper...brown sugar...loaf sugar...molasses...coca and coffee..." The resolves also lists for each state its share "...of the interest and principal of the debts contracted on the faith of the United States for supporting the war..." Partial fold separations, light toning, a few marginal chips not affecting text, else fine. $800-1,200
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 03, 2006
THOMSON, CHARLES
Est: $800 - $1,200
29. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. Fine content D.S. "Chas Thomson Secy", 1p. legal folio, [Annapolis], Apr. 30, 1784, a resolve of Congress establishing the right of the United States in Congress assembled to regulate trade by treaty: "...The situation of commerce at this time claims the attention of the several states and few objects of greater importance can present themselves to their notice. The fortune of every citizen is interested in the success thereof; for it is the constant source of wealth and incentive to industry; and the value of our produce and our land must ever rise or fall in proportion to the prosperous or adverse state of trade. Already had Great Britain adopted regulations destructive of our commerce with her West-India Islands. There was reason to expect that measures so unequal and so little calculated to promote mercantile intercourse, would not be persevered in by an enlightened nation...It would be the duty of Congress, as it is their wish, to meet the attempts of Great-Britain with familiar restrictions on her commerce...is recommended to the legislatures of the several states, to vest the Unites States in Congress assembled, for the term of fifteen years, with power to prohibit any goods...from being imported into or exported...in vessels belonging to or navigated by the subjects of any power with whom these states shall not have formed rates of commerce..." A fine example of the difficulties Congress encountered in regulating trade and foreign affairs under the Articles of Confederation. Chipping at bottom margin, otherwise very good condition. $800-1,200
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC