Description:

Colonial Georgia
various, ca. 1759-1791
Early Georgia Political Archive Incl. 2 GA Govs, 4 Pcs, Ca. 1759-1791
Archive
A small group of interesting documents relating to the early political history of Georgia. The archive includes the signatures of two Governors of Georgia, Henry Ellis and George Handley; and also the signatures of Samuel Stirk, Attorney General of Georgia, and Robert Forsyth, the first U.S. Marshal from Georgia who was killed in action in 1794. Ca. 1759-1791. Various places. Condition will be elaborated below but is overall very good to near fine. The smallest piece in the archive measures 7.875" x 6.5" while the largest item measures 7.875" x 12.875."

The lot consists of, in chronological order:

1. A clipped signature belonging to Henry Ellis (1721-1806), Royal Governor of Georgia from May 1758 - November 1760, signed by him as "Henry Ellis" at the base of a partial manuscript document. The document is partly dated July 19, [1759], with the year extrapolated by calculating "the thirty second year of" George II's reign. Gentle even toning. Laid down on a larger piece of cream stock paper. The mount shows isolated discoloration and is inscribed by a former collector at lower right. The actual size of the signature clip measures 3.75" x 2.625" while the mount measures 10" x 6.625."

2. A 1p autograph document signed by George Handley (1752-1793), future Governor of Georgia then in his capacity as Secretary of the Georgia Executive Council, as "G: Handley Secy E.C." at lower right. February 21, 1786. "In Council" at Augusta, Georgia. Inscribed on laid paper. Docketed verso. Expected wear including even moderate toning and scattered foxing. Flattened fragile folds, one split and repaired. Else very good. 8.875" x 7."

Handley records instructions regarding land-surveying procedure in Georgia, including the necessity of citing the names of surveyors and chain-bearers. Handley served as Governor of Georgia from January 1788 - January 1789.

3. A 1p autograph letter signed by Robert Forsyth (1754-1794) addressed to Governor of Georgia Edward Telfair (1735-1807). April 12, 1791. Augusta, Georgia. On laid watermarked bifold paper with an integral address leaf. Expected wear including moderate toning and isolated staining. The inner pages are blank. Docketed and with a red wax seal on the outer address leaf. Else very good. 7.875" x 12.875."

Robert Forsyth requests that Governor Edward Telfair "pass such order thereon as may enabl[e] Mr. Stubblefield to obtain the necessary Credit on the final adjustment of his Accounts with the State…" Forsyth was appointed the first U.S. Marshal of Georgia in 1789. In 1794, Forsyth became the first U.S. Marshall to be killed in the line of duty.

4. A partial 1p manuscript document signed by Samuel Stirk (1756-1793) as "Stirk Atty: for Petr." at lower right. N.d., n.p. On laid watermarked paper. Expected wear including even toning, flattened paper folds, and edge darkening, else very good. 7.875" x 6.5."

In this partial legal document related to probate, Stirk was the attorney representing the petitioner, one "Alexander," who claimed £100,000 sterling in damages. Stirk served as Attorney General of Georgia from 1781-1785.

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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  • Dimensions: largest item measures 7.875" x 12.875"
  • Medium: Archive

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