[Presidential] Adams, John. Manuscript Document, signed

Philadelphia, July 8, 1799. Single sheet, approximately 20 x 17 1/2 in. (508 x 444 mm). Two-page manuscript land indenture on vellum, boldly signed by President John Adams and Secretary of State Timothy Pickering, granting 25 Revolutionary War veterans of the Virginia Line of the Continental Army land "Northwest of the River Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota" in the Northwest Territory. Original paper seal intact on verso; manuscript on verso in the hand of Secretary of War James McHenry, additional manuscript at same by clerk Jacob Wagner. Creasing from old folds; scattered minor soiling. In mat and unexamined out of elaborate double-pane Plexiglass frame, 25 3/4 x 23 1/4 in. (654 x 590 mm), with moveable hinge and mounted to larger frame with portrait of Adams and placard, 35 1/2 x 42 in. (902 x 1067 mm).

A large and boldly signed Presidential land patent. Here, President John Adams grants land in the Virginia Military District (in present day Ohio), to 25 veterans of the Virginia Line in the Continental Army: James Smith, John Harris, James Gabral, Caleb Hill, George Estis, George Sampson, Charles Frails, George Turner, Claibourn Andrews, and William Wyatt (all having served three years); William Cox, Bartlett Lee, Thomas Goodman, Nathaniel Wills, James Stuart, Michael Hagan, John Farmer, Notley Maddox, and Jacob Fishback (all having served throughout the duration of the war; Christopher McKannon and David Stern (both sergeants during the war); James Didlake (a sergeant for three years); Thomas Creed (a sergeant for seven years); Reuben Plunket (a corporal for three years); and William Peers (a drummer for three years).

The Virginia Military District (or Lands) was a body of land comprised of approximately four million acres in the Northwest Territory, lying between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, bounded by the Ohio River on the south, and Auglaize, Hardin, and Marion Counties to the North. Originally part of Virginia's territory as granted in its 1609 royal charter, Virginia agreed to relinquish all claims on western land, including this territory, to the general government upon the condition that it be used specifically for land grants in lieu of cash payments for Virginia soldiers and officers who fought in the Revolution. In 1790, the first United States Congress passed “An act to enable the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment, to obtain titles to certain lands lying north west of the river Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota”, allowing Virginia to use this land, and by 1794 the region was opened for settlement by Virginia soldiers like the above who were granted land bounties.

A fine and impressive document.

Stan V. Henkels, Philadelphia, April 13, 1917, The Autograph Collection belonging to Chas. E Rice, Lot 1.

[Presidential] Adams, John. Manuscript Document, signed