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JOHN ADAMS Autograph Circa 1760 LAW LEDGER Cut Signature Signed President * PSA
$6,500.00
Guaranteed Authentic
JOHN ADAMS SUPERB SIGNED LEGAL LEDGER FRAGMENT PAYING HIS COPYIST
American Founding Father and Second President of the United States JOHN ADAMS scarce authentic handwritten autograph extract likely removed from a section of his law ledger, affixed to a handsome reproduction portrait. Signed by Adams in the first line with a full signature "John Adams".
Although undated, given the cases listed on the ledger we believe this is circa 1760 making this a few of Adams' first cases as a practicing lawyer. Adams quickly earned a reputation as one of the best lawyers in colonial America. In 1770, Adams famously agreed to defend the British soldiers charged in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, believing that every accused person deserved a fair trial regardless of public opinion. As tensions between Britain and the American colonies intensified, Adams's legal work increasingly drew him into political life. The same commitment to law, rights, and representative government that shaped his legal career ultimately led him to become a leading advocate for American independence and one of the principal architects of the Revolution.
Adams would use his handwritten office ledgers to track expenses, payments, and time spent in service of his cases including such items as billable hours and fees collected. In this case Adams' seems to be tracking sums due his legal copyist, John Vinton Adams' notations indicate:
"John Adams to J. Vinton D[ebto]r
£[Pounds] S[Shillings] D[Pence]
Hunt v Hayden 0 : 3 : 10
Brackett v Hollis 0 : 4 : 00"
Notably, in his diary entries from mid-June 1760, Adams recounted the chaotic, "absolute confusion" of a local lawsuit involving Captain Hollis and his client, J. Brackett. Adams lamented the community's litigious nature and expressed frustration at "pettyfogging Dabblers in the Law", notably Captain Hollis who actively encouraged minor and petty lawsuits such as a dispute over a hat.
The Adams handwritten autograph extract has been thoroughly examined and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION, and encapsulated using PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed technology. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Condition as shown with stains, toning, some paper loss consistent with age, use, handling and wear associated with a nearly 265 year old document. Reproduction portrait, including cut handwritten autograph extract, measures appx. 3.75" x 5.5" inside 6.5" x 10" encapsulate. Please review images carefully for exact condition.
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Own a remarkable, original piece of American history! The cornerstone of any truly exceptional collection.
Sold as is, as shown.