Description:

Dayton Jonathan

Jonathan Dayton, NJ Constitution Signer, Twice Signed Document

 

Paper half-sheet dated March 20, 1795 and 2x signed by Constitution signer Jonathan Dayton (1760-1824), once as "Jonathan Dayton" within the text, and once as "Jona: Dayton" at lower right. The watermarked paper bears a small seal to the right of the elegant larger signature. Docketed by clerk verso. In very good to near fine condition, with expected paper folds, one at right edge ending in a closed tear. From the Collection of Charles Forbes. Accompanied by a photocopy of Forbes' original typewritten filing folder pencil dated July 12, 1951, and a photocopy of Forbes' bookplate.

 

Jonathan Dayton authorized Clement Biddle to serve as his notary public, and to collect in return the interest of his Treasury of the United States stocks. Dayton and Biddle had similar backgrounds and may have met during the Revolutionary War.

 

"Know all men by these presents that I Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey do make, constitute & appoint Clement Biddle of Philadelphia Notary public my true & lawful Attorney for me, in my name & for my use to receive the interest due or to grow due for the present year One thousand Seven hundred & ninety five upon the Stocks Standing in my name in the books of the Treasury of the United States, and to do all lawful Acts requisite for effecting the premises; hereby satisfying & confirming all that my Said Attorney may legally do herein in virtue of these presents. In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twentieth day of March One thousand seven hundred & ninety five

 

Sealed & Delivered                                   Jona: Dayton."

in the presence of

 

Jonathan Dayton attended New Jersey College but left it to serve in the Continental Army. He fought at the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Yorktown, served at Valley Forge with General Washington, and was even held hostage by Loyalists. The 26-year-old lawyer was the youngest delegate and signer at the Constitutional Convention. He later served in the New Jersey state legislature but a scandal involving Aaron Burr prematurely ended his political career.

 

Clement Biddle, although a practicing Quaker, fought in the Revolutionary War Battles of Princeton, Germantown, Brandywine, and Monmouth before resigning from the Continental Army in 1780. A close friend of General George Washington's, Biddle also acted as Commissary General at Valley Forge and U.S. Marshal for Pennsylvania just before the Whiskey Rebellion. The 1790 Census listed Biddle's occupations as "Notary, Scrivener, and Broker."

 

Ex-Charles Forbes Collection. Forbes purchased this piece in 1949, making it 60 years since it has appeared on the market.

 

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000