February 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, February 24th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2022
Exceptional autograph document signed by George Washington from 1774 regarding bounty land promised to Virginia veterans of the French & Indian War, per the Proclamation of 1754. When distribution of the land stalled after the war, Washington famously took it upon himself to lobby on behalf of the veterans, even hiring a surveyor to divvy up the 20,000 acres himself. He was criticized, however, for reportedly setting aside the best land for himself and his friends, with this invoice revealing his efforts on behalf of his former aide-de-camp, George Mercer, and Mercer's brother.
Dated 25 January 1774, Washington handwrites at top, ''Col. George Mercer on acct. of the Land under the Proclamation of 1754...'' He details meetings beginning in 1770 in Fredericksburg, when Washington was appointed agent for securing the land, writing ''voted at Fredericksburg at this meeting, it being for your own & Brother's shares...'' Washington again writes about advocating for Mercer and his brother at a meeting in March 1771 in Winchester, and then bills for ''Surveying 13532 acres Patented in y'r own name'' in November 1772. He also charges for ''y'r prop'n of the cost of Surveying a tract of 6788 ac's - in w'ch you hold 2816 ac's.''
Additional charges are listed, along with credits, for a total charge of over 40 pounds. Boldly signed ''Go: Washington'' at conclusion. Interestingly, it's unlikely that Washington ever collected on the bill, as Mercer, a strong loyalist, moved to England before the Revolutionary War. Document is in extraordinarily well-preserved condition, with bold handwriting throughout. Measures 7.625'' x 7''. Mounting remnants to verso, otherwise near fine condition. With University Archives COA.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed -- Washington Itemizes a 1774 Invoice for His Former Aide-de-Camp in Securing Bounty Land Under the 1754 Proclamation -- With University Archives COA
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