JOHN ADAMS Autograph Early Handwritten LEGAL CASE Signed * President * PSA
Guaranteed Authentic
American Founding Father, patriot and 2nd President JOHN ADAMS lengthily handwritten partly printed early legal document signed on verso as simply, "Adams”. Adams painstakingly writes the entire front portion of the September 6, 1766 text in his own precise hand, comprising of 180+ words. Countersigned by loyalist merchant Ezekiel Goldthwait as clerk.
Adams engrosses a writ under a document with the printed heading "George the Third by the Grace of God...", a unique foreshadowing to the British rule that would end in-part due to his actions during the American Revolution. The document is made out to the "Sheriff of our County of Suffolk" for the arrest of "Joseph Tirrell of Dorchester," who owed a delinquent debt of five pounds. It reads, in part:
"To the sheriff of Our County of Suffolk...We command you to Attach the Goods or Estate of Joseph Tirrell of Dorchester in our County of Suffolk, Trader to the value of Five Pounds, and for want thereof to take the Body of the said Joseph (if he may be found in your Precinct) and him safely keep, so that you have him before Our Justices of Our Inferiour Court of Common Pleas..."
Adams tried at least two cases involving the Tirrells in the early years of his law career noting that "it was Joseph Tirrell the Horse Jockey who first raised me to fame...At Plymouth Court he had a sister, who had a popular Cause depending. He advised her to engage me in it: and I had the good fortune to conduct it in such a manner that from that time forward I was engaged in all the Causes in the County."
Adams was a highly successful and prominent attorney in Massachusetts before becoming a leading Founding Father. Admitted to the bar in 1758, he developed a large law practice in Boston and was known for his dedication to the rule of law, famously defending British soldiers involved in the 1770 Boston Massacre.
The Adams legal writ has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated inside PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holder – your assurance of absolute authenticity. GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Condition is as shown. Document measures appx. 8.25" x 6.75" inside 10" x 13" encapsulate, and exhibits typical wear including age-toned with a few light stains, flattened folds, with a few separations and some wear to the edges. A few small instances of loss. Docketed on the verso. Please review images carefully for exact condition.
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Own a remarkable, investment-quality piece of American history! The perfect acquisition for the Presidential collector, Lawyer, Adams admirer, autograph enthusiast, or History buff.
Sold as is, as shown.