Lot 29: THOMSON, CHARLES

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