Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47087

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47087

Declaration Signer Lewis Morris Autograph Document Signed Eleven Times. Three pages hinged at bottom edge, 15 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches, [New York]; December 2, 1790. A land indenture recording the division and transfer of property to Lewis Morris and his brother Richard Morris, written in Lewis's hand and signed by him eleven times in the text. Richard Morris additionally signs twice on the first and second pages. The document reads, in part:

"This indenture made...between Richard Morris of the City of New York Esquire of the one part and Lewis Morris of the Town of Morrisania and County of Westchester Gentleman of the other part Whereas Lewis Morris Esquire now deceased the grandfather to the parties to the presents did on the twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twenty one...obtain letters patent for twelve thousand acres of Land lying on the south side of the Mohawks River...the said tract now vested in the said Richard Morris and Lewis Morris...should be divided into six equal parts." Signed, "Ri Morris" beside his intact seal, with two additional seals present at the bottom edge.

The second page includes an illustrated map of the divided land, also signed by Richard Morris. Witnesses Thomas Cooper and James Morris each sign twice on the second and third pages. Docketed on the verso: "Richard Morris to Lewis Morris, Deed of Partition."

Lewis Morris (1726-1798) was a prominent New York landowner and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, representing New York in the Continental Congress. His younger brother, Richard Morris (1730-1810), served as chief justice of the New York Supreme Court from 1779 to 1789, immediately preceding John Jay.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. A few small separations and chips at the edges, not affecting text. Some foxing to the verso.

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