Description:

Revolutionary War

Isaac Sears, Sons of Liberty Leader, DS Dating 2 Months after Fraunces Tavern Meeting, Spring 1774

 

A receipt inscribed by American revolutionary Isaac Sears (1730-1786) and signed by him as "Isaac Sears" at lower right recto. Written in New York City on July 22, 1774. Three other accounting entries dated between June 25, 1774 - July 22, 1774 are listed on either side of the receipt and were individually signed by creditors "Elia :M Raymond" and "Anthy Griffiths". On a slip of watermarked cream laid paper. Overall light toning and scattered discoloration, else very good to near fine. 7.25" x 4.625".

 

Isaac Sears's handwritten endorsement acknowledged payment from his business partner Paschal Smith, in full:

 

"Received New York 22d July 1774 of Mr Paschal Smith forty six pound on acct of the late Company of Mess's Aspinwall & Smith

 

Isaac Sears

 

#46".

 

This receipt relates to Sears in his capacity as an early American merchant, though he is mostly identified with the important role that he played during the American Revolution. Sears was one of the principal organizers of the New York City chapter of the Sons of Liberty. This secret proto-Revolutionary organization was founded to resist against and stymie the implementation of royal laws. The Sons of Liberty relied on violence and intimidation to dissuade colonists from complying with what they viewed as the crown's latest repressive legislation. There was no room for moderation; Sears issued a blanket death threat to anyone who broke the non-importation agreement before the colonies had agreed to do so.

 

Sears was especially skilled at organizing, and quickly gained a reputation as an effective agitator. On May 16, 1774, just two months prior to signing this receipt, Sears called a meeting of the various revolutionary factions at the Fraunces Tavern in New York City. The Committee of Fifty was elected, with Isaac Low as its chairman. James DeLancey's faction was in the majority, with Sears and his Sons of Liberty in the minority.

 

Isaac, in his capacity as a leading member of New York City's Committee of Sixty, proposed a general meeting of delegates from the other colonies. Though initially rejected by the Committee of Sixty, the proposal was later ratified and led to the convention of the First Continental Congress in the fall of 1774.

 

After the end of the Revolutionary War, Isaac Sears, Marinus Willet, and John Lamb revived the Sons of Liberty in New York City. In March 1784, they rallied an enormous crowd, demanding the expulsion of any Loyalists remaining in the state after May 1st. The Sons of Liberty gained enough seats in the New York Assembly elections of December 1784 to pass punitive laws against the Loyalists. They called for the confiscation of Loyalist property, in direct violation of the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1783). Alexander Hamilton defended the Loyalists, citing the supremacy of the treaty.

 

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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