Description:

Andrew Hamilton, Zenger Defender, Signed Doc Re: Philadelphia Waterfront

A large manuscript document signed by Andrew Hamilton (1676-1741), the original "Philadelphia lawyer" who successfully defended John Paul Zenger in the landmark 1735 libel vs. free speech case, as "A. Hamilton" at lower right. December 11, 1727. [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.] Countersigned by two other legal parties, including Clement Plumsted (1680-1745), the affluent three times Mayor of Philadelphia; as well as two witnesses. Secretarially inscribed on a sheet of vellum with a scalloped top. Bearing three original red wax diamond-shaped figural seals. Expected wear includes flattened folds, isolated edge darkening and areas of grubbiness, and a small chip and closed tear found along the bottom edge, else near fine and very legible. Displayed in a floating mount and matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. The actual size of the document is 26.5" x 10.75" while the framed size overall is 33.5" x 18.5" x 1."

The land grant transfers ownership of a small parcel on Philadelphia's waterfront, the footprint of which is probably located today under Interstate 95. The 675-square-feet piece of property was flanked by Front Street on the west, and Bank or King Street on the east; King Street was renamed Water Street after the American Revolution. This was prime urban water frontage with immediate access to the docks, ships, and ferries of the Delaware River. The land, originally owned by city merchant Richard Anthony and his wife Sarah, had been transferred to Anthony's estate executor Thomas Sober, who later sold it to buyers Andrew Hamilton, a gentleman, and Clement Plumsted, a merchant, for "five Shillings lawfull money."

The document reads in part:

"This Indenture Tripartite made the Eleventh day of December In the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and twenty Seven Between Clement Plumsted of the City of Philadelphia Mercht. and Andrew Hamilton of the Said City Gentl. of the first Part Charles Sober Exect. of the Last Will and Testament of Richard Anthony late of the said City Mercht. deced of the second Part And Thomas Sober of the said City Mercht. of the third Part. Whereas in a Certain Indenture of the twenty fourth day of September One thousand Seven hundred and twenty too made between the said Richard Anthony and Sarah his Wife of the one Part and the said Thomas Sober of the other Part They the said Richard and Sarah for the Consideration therin mentioned Did Grant Bargain Sell Enfest and Confirm unto the said Thomas Sober his Heirs and Assigns All that Masonage or Tenement Lot of Land or Piece of Ground scituatd lying and being in Philadelphia aforesaid Containing in bredth fifteen feet and in depth forty five feet Bounded Northward with the Ground of said Richard Anthony Eastward with Bank Street comonly called Kingstreet Southward with House and Ground of Edward Church and Westward with the Front Street Together with the Appurtenances To hold to him the said Thomas Sober his Heirs and Assigns forever…"

Although Andrew Hamilton is best remembered for the important role he played during the sensational 1735 Zenger case, he was also an accomplished politician whose success is even more impressive when one considers he immigrated to colonial Virginia as an indentured servant. Hamilton moved to Philadelphia in 1715 after inheriting a wealthy estate and becoming a lawyer. He served as Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 1717-1724 and the recorder of the city of Philadelphia from 1727-1741. In addition to being a member of the Colonial Assembly of Pennsylvania from 1727-1739, Hamilton was elected multiple times to serve as its Speaker in the 1720s and 1730s.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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