DS as president, one page on vellum, 20 x 25, 1798. A grant for a parcel of land in the town of Washington, Pennsylvania, “in pursuance of an Act of the Congress … on the third day of March, 1795, entitled ‘An Act to authorize a grant of lands to the French inhabitants of Gallipolis’ … for the benefit of the French inhabitants, and actual settlers of the town or settlement of Gallipolis,” issued to David Reddick. Countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State. The settlement of Gallipolis, Ohio was founded in 1790 by former French aristocrats who fled to the United States to escape persecution in the chaos of Revolutionary-era France. Swindled by unscrupulous speculators who had no claim on the land offered for sale to the newcomers, the French settlers petitioned Congress and the president for aid, which was provided, in part, by the act in question. The embossed paper seal remains intact at lower left. Matted and framed to an overall size of 29.5 x 35.25 and accompanied by a separately framed portrait engraving. In good condition, with intersecting folds (several associated holes and losses), large stains affecting legibility of several portions of text, and scattered soiling. Adams’ signature, which is large, dark, and completely unaffected, easily rates as fine. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
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