Description:

Williamson Hugh 1735 - 1819 Hugh Williamson Boston Tea Party supporter, Patriot, and Constitution signer, scarce lengthy ALS co-signed by Declaration signer William Ellery
Two page bi-fold ALS on laid paper, 7.25" x 11.5". Neatly scripted on the front and verso of the first page, entirely in the hand of Hugh Williamson. Second page left blank. Dated and signed by Hugh Williamson "Twentieth Day of September 1790", and signed by him as "Hu Williamson". Co-signed by William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Signed by Ellery as a witness in his presence "William Ellery"


Age toned and scattered handling marks. Red wax seal present with paper overlay. Professional minor repair to outer edges in margins well outside of text. Overall excellent presentation.

Hugh Williamson known for his broad impact on the direction of our country, has origins being born on the frontier, but quickly moved about demonstrating the rootlessness that characterized the lives of many Americans even in the 18th century. His equally broad interests in both science, education indirectly led Williamson to politics and the Patriot cause. Sailing for England in 1773 to raise funds for a local educational project, Williamson stopped on route at Boston. There he witnessed the famous Boston Tea Party, in which Patriots dressed as American Indians destroyed a cargo of tea in protest over a newly enforced Parliamentary tax on imported commodities. On reaching London he was summoned before the Privy Council to testify on this act of rebellion and on colonial affairs in general. Williamson was forced to quickly come of age politically as a result of this encounter. In response to questions by Council members, who were in the process of formulating punitive measures against Massachusetts, he bluntly warned that repression would provoke rebellion. He then went on to express the argument that was becoming the core of the Patriot position: Americans were entitled to the full rights of Englishmen, including representation in the decisions of the English government. This testimony brought him to the attention of other Americans in London.

A mutual interest in scientific matters cemented a solid working relationship with Benjamin Franklin, and Williamson soon found himself joined with the famous American scientist and others in appealing for support among those Englishmen who, in opposition to their own government, sympathized with American claims. Williamson continued on to the Netherlands where, taking advantage of the cover afforded by his attendance at meetings on scientific and educational subjects, he organized the publication of pamphlets and other papers that supported the Patriot cause. While there he learned that the colonies had declared their independence. He rushed back to Philadelphia in early 1777 and volunteered for service in the Medical Department of the Continental Army. The Department had no opening at that time, and ultimately Williamson moved to North Carolina whereby he first set up a medical practice and by 1782 was electedto the lower house of the North Carolina legislature, where he served for several terms. He sat on numerous committees, including those formed to regulate veterans' rights, and he authored the state's copyright law and his fellow legislators also chose Williamson to serve in the Continental Congress in 1782.

This eloquent autographed document regarding the appointment of "William Channing of Newport in the State of Rhode Island + Esq", and the payment of monies to Charles Ward Asthorp, is dated 1790 during Hugh's tenure with North Carolina representing them in the first federal Congress, and is shown below:

"Know all ... by there present that I Hugh Williamson Esq one of the Representatives in Congress from the State of North Carolina in pursuance of the power granted me by the annexed Letter of Attorney from Charles Ward Asthorp of the City of New York Esq, Have and by these presents so constitute and appoint William Channing of Newport in the State of Rhode Island + Esq. An attorney under me to ask demand ... of and from every pinon (illegible) in the said State of Rhode Island .. all sum or sums of money due so the said Charles Ward Asthorp by any ways or means whatsoever and on non payment to commence any action or actions, in the name of the said Asthorp (illegible) for the recovery thereof - and the same to prosecute to final judgement and execution, with all other power ... for the purposes aforesaid thereby satifying whatsoever my said Attorney shall do in virtue of these presents - In witness whereof I have (illegible) set my hand & seal this Twentieth Day of September 1790 .....

Sealed + Delivered Hu Williamson

In the presence of -

William Ellery

William ...."

Signed and autographed documents by Williamson are extremely scarce, with this one boasting the additional co-signer of William Ellery. Auction records show only one other ALS having sold 40 years ago

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June 14, 2017 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

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