Partly printed DS as president, signed “John Adams,” one page on vellum, 12.5 x 14.5, February 28, 1800. A grant for a parcel of land issued to William Roggers, “a Captain for three years,” under the provisions of “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.” Countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State. Cloth matted and framed to an overall size of 19 x 21. In good to very good condition, with heavy intersecting folds (associated partial separations and small holes; two toned tape repairs to front, one slightly touching “Pickering”), block of toning and soiling at left, moderately heavy wrinkling, and a vertical tear to bottom edge touching “A” of “Adams.” The signature is clean and otherwise unaffected, and the embossed paper seal remains intact at lower left.
Adams’ endorsement here was in keeping with arrangements made prior to the Revolutionary War to aid enlistment. The Virginia Military District land referred to here consisted of a tract in the southwestern part of the state that contained more than 4 million acres. After the Revolution, state officials used the land to award claims to veterans in exchange for their military service—and in lieu of payment. General George Washington had enticed residents to join the Continental Army by offering them large bounties in land in exchange for either three years of service or the duration of the war. Officers were granted a certain number of acres based on their rank, with a captain such as William Roggers entitled to 3,000 acres. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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