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George Washington Partial Autograph Document Signed in the Text, Together with Engraved Portrait. ... (Total: 2 )
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Description
George Washington Partial Autograph Document Signed in the Text, Together with Engraved Portrait. One page, 6.375" x 4" (sight), no place; no date [circa 1773-74]. A fascinating document penned by Washington concerning land surveyed by him early in his career. The manuscript is entirely in Washington's hand and includes a scarce full signature in the text. He writes, in full:"I do hereby certifie [sic] that I lay no claim to a Tract of Land Surveyed in my name in the Barrens of Bullskin; adjoining the Lines of Grub, Alexander and others, and containing by a Survey made by Mr. George Washington [for] 445 Ac[re]s. And that, it is not my Intention to oppose the Issuing of a Patent so the Heirs of Majr. Law[renc]e. Washington dec[ease]d. For whose use & Benefit the said Land was Surveyed."
On March 25, 1751, a teenaged Washington surveyed a tract of 445 acres near Bullskin Run in Berkeley County for his half-brother, Lawrence Washington, in the name of Richard Sanford. Following the former's death in 1752, Sanford relinquished his right to the property to the heirs of Lawrence Washington. As Lawrence died quickly after the land's survey, a patent was never issued and the property was falsely forfeited by advertisement in 1765. Washington discusses this survey in a letter to Lord Thomas Fairfax on February 4, 1773, in which he writes that the land in question was mistakenly sold by Robert Worthington who "had taken some advantage of [Washington's] Brother's death, & his own neglect in not passing Deeds, to sell it a second time." Washington goes on to explain that the issue was further confused because the survey was initially done in Sanford's name. This document was presumably written by Washington on behalf of Sanford shortly after the letter to Fairfax in order for Sanford to formally renounce the land so that it could finally pass to Lawrence's youngest half-brother, Charles. Washington's appeal to Fairfax was successful and Fairfax granted the land to Charles Washington on October 20, 1774.
The document has been inlaid to a mounting page which is titled "Original Document (Inlaid) all in the hand-writing of George Washington." It has been attractively matted and framed with a portrait of Washington to the overall size of 20.25" x 14.5". Not examined outside of the frame. A COA from John Reznikoff is included with the document. It is accompanied by a framed engraving of Washington after the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait, circa 1832. The striking image measures 15.5" x 18" overall. From the Joel Levin Collection.
Reference: "From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 4 February 1773," Founders Online, National Archives.
Condition: Appears to have been silked on verso. Split along folds, crossing just one letter of the signature. Lightly toned. Engraving with minute scattered foxing.
Auction Info
2023 February 22 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6260 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2023
22nd
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
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