Description:

Archive of Early New York City Legal & Govt. Docs, ca. 1785-1829, 10 Pcs

An interesting archive of legal and government documents, many signed, from early New York City, ca. 1785-1829, ten pieces total. The letters, leases, summons, receipts, and invoices involve minor city officials such as Recorders of the City, Aldermen, District Attorneys, Comptrollers, Street Commissioners, Fire Marshals, City Medical Inspectors, etc. The items are currently housed in a blue binder with plastic sleeves. Overall very good to near fine condition. Please refer to photos to see individual condition issues.

The lot consists of, in chronological order:

1. A portion of a manuscript document signed by Richard Varick (1753-1831), then Recorder of New York City, as "Richd.. Varick" at center. Docketed September 17, 1785 verso. The document is a lease agreement between Adolph Waldron and Abraham Duryee of Hornshook [Horn's Hook], New York. Near fine, 9" x 3.5."

Richard Varick later served eleven consecutive 1-year terms as Mayor of New York City between 1789-1801. Before his mayoral career, Varick served as General George Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, and he was also instrumental in codifying many of modern New York City's laws as Recorder of the city.

2. A partly printed and partly handwritten document signed by John Broome (1738-1810), "Alderman of the East Ward" of New York City, dated October 17, 1785, concerning a debt of £50. Very good to near fine, 7.25" x 8.75."

John Broome served as an alderman in New York City between 1783-1784 and 1785-1786. He later became Lieutenant Governor of New York.

3. A partly printed and partly handwritten document entitled "New-York, Mayor's Court" signed by official Jacob De La Montagiuelles, dated November 12, 1799. The case involved "a Plea of Trespass Trover & Conversion" in the amount of $50. A little fragile, with minor closed tears along the vertical fold. 6.5" x 8."

The legal term "Trespass Trover & Conversion" encompasses the theft of someone's personal property without their consent, and subsequent attempts to recover the stolen property.

4. A manuscript document signed by Richard Riker (1773-1842) as "Rich: Riker" near center right, dated March 23, 1801. Riker, in his role as "Atty for pltff" requested that the sheriff release the defendant. Uneven discoloration, 8" x 7.75."

Riker was appointed District Attorney of the First District of New York, which included Queens, Kings, New York, Richmond, Westchester, and Suffolk counties, in 1801.

5. A manuscript document signed by Bartholomew Skaats and J. Morton, Comptroller, dated February 15, 1808. The invoice was for three months' worth of beer consumed by one David King. Near fine, 8" x 5.25."

6. A manuscript document docketed September 3, 1810 pertaining to reimbursement for stonework on Hudson Street. The application to the comptroller was in the amount of $90. Hudson Street is located about midway between Greenwich Village and Chelsea. Some minor splits along folds, else near fine. 7.5" x 7."

7. A manuscript document signed and engrossed by New York City Street Commissioner Robert Graves, and addressed to the Comptroller. Docketed September 8, 1817 verso. In part: "The Street Commissioner applies for $587..92 the bala. of the award to the heirs of N G Ingraham for opening Cliff Street…" Cliff Street is near the Financial District in Manhattan. Minor loss near top horizontal fold, else near fine, 7.875" x 4.25."

8. A manuscript document itemizing the quarterly salary of Dr. George Cuming as city medical inspector, dated May 28, 1828. Near fine. 7.625" x 5.125."

9. A manuscript document itemizing the quarterly salary of J. Sidell as fire marshal, dated January 10, 1829. Near fine. 7.625" x 4."

10. A manuscript document reading in part: "The Corporation of the City of New York To John Astin + David Higbie Dr." requesting payment of one month's salary, dated May 28, 1829. Near fine, 7" x 3.5."

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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