Description:

Declaration of Independence

 



Famed 1850 UK Autograph Collector Writes about Collecting Autographs of the Signers of The Declaration of Independence

 

Bi-fold autograph letter signed, 7.75" x 10". Dated "March 26, 1850", and signed by early English autograph collector Thomas Raffles as "Tho Raffles". Extensively penned on three pages, with the last page as the address. Letter is toned with small separations along folds, last page with small edge chip.

 

A fascinating letter with great content ironically discussing American Autograph collecting by this renown English Congregationalist, and ardent Autograph collector. (who was Chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales). Shown in part below:

 

" … my collection consists of letters and documents and of these I have some thousands … from the reign of Henry the 6th of England to the present day of your distinguished Countrymen … One of my (illegible) is entitled, "Founders + Presidents of the American Republic". It contains letters and documents but chiefly letters … of all the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and all the Presidents from Washington to Taylor. This collection I regard as invaluable … There are but two such collections in America - … one in the hands of Mr. Taft of Savannah both of them correspondents of mine … "

 

Raffles was most definitely a man ahead of his time!

 

Biography:

Thomas Raffles (1788-1863) was an eminent Congregationalist and collector of autographs. From 1805 he studied for the ministry at Homerton College and was ordained in 1809. On the death of Thomas Spencer of Newington Chapel, Liverpool, Raffles was invited to succeed him in April 1812. Raffles was well known in Liverpool evangelical circles and was involved with many organizations. Soon after he moved to Liverpool, Raffles began his involvement with the Blackburn Academy, later Lancashire Independent College. He was chairman of the college education committee from 1839 to 1863, and in 1861 the Raffles scholarship and Library were founded in his honour.

 

He collected many original manuscripts relating to the history of nonconformity in Lancashire, as well as vast numbers of autographs from Europe and America. He also wrote poetry and hymns, publishing a supplement to Watts's Psalms and Hymns (1814 and 1856.1853). He also published theological lectures, articles and editions of the Bible etc between

 

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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