Auction Name: 2025 November 8 Historical Manuscripts including Texana Showcase Auction

Lot Number: 67160

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/30152*67160

Robert Howard Document Signed. Three partially printed pages of a bifolium, 8 7/8 x 14 3/8 inches, [England]; 1689. An order stating that Francis Dorrington, Esquire is owed one hundred pounds to be paid by October 6, 1689, the same year that Howard coined the phrase, "We the People." With three lines on the verso in Howard's hand, signed "Ro: Howard."

Sir Robert Howard (1626-1698) was a famed playwright and politician, remembered chiefly for his feud with fellow playwright John Dryden over the use of rhymed verse in drama. He was also the first known person to use the phrase "We the People," which he coined during a debate with Parliament on January 28, 1689.

Together with two indentures from the reign of Charles II. The first, one page on scallop-topped vellum, 28 1/2 x 23 7/8 inches, Essex; July 6, 1663; with manuscript addition on verso dated 1665. The second, one page on vellum, 19 1/2 x 10 1/8 inches, Wiltshire; September 12, 1672.

Condition: Howard document with smoothed folds and creasing throughout; scattered staining and foxing; heavy wear at the right edge resulting in loss, affecting text (but not Howard's writing). Indentures with smoothed folds and light, scattered soiling throughout; a bit of edgewear and creasing.

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