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Francis Hopkinson Autograph Document Signed with British Naval Registry Document....
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Description
Francis Hopkinson Autograph Document Signed with British Naval Registry Document. One page, 6 3/4 x 3 inches, no place; October 16, 1781. Written entirely in his hand and signed by Francis Hopkinson. The document records the capture of the York, a British naval vessel. The York, originally known as the Nancy, was sailed by American patriots until her capture by the British in 1779. She was condemned and kept at port until her purchase two years later by a William Urquhart and his business partner, Carlile Pollock. Their ownership did not last long, however, as she was recaptured by the patriots later the same year, as stated here by Hopkinson.Document reads, in part: "Gideon Gordon Prize Master on Board the Brig York being duly sworn reporteth & saith that this was the only paper found on Board the said Brig at the time of her Capture by the Gov American sworn Oct. 16 1781 before Francis Hopkinson."
Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) was an American lawyer, judge, and signer of the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from New Jersey. He served as judge of the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania from 1779 to 1789 and was appointed by President George Washington as the first judge of the United States District Court for the District of Pennsylvania, serving from 1789 until his death in 1791. In addition to his legal career, Hopkinson was a composer and author, known for designing Continental paper money and early versions of the American flag.
Accompanied by a partially printed British Naval Registry document for the York on one page of a bifolium measuring 8 1/4 x 13 inches.
Condition: Moderate toning. Smoothed folds with some staining.
Auction Info
2025 March 28 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6316 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2025
28th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
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