American statesman (1722–1803) and signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts who was an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and one of his state’s most ardent supporters of the patriotic cause. Partly-printed DS, one page, 14 x 9.5, August 20, 1795. Governor Adams appoints George Stillman Esquire a “Brigadier General of the Second Brigade Tenth Division of the Militia of this Commonwealth.” Signed in the left border, “Samuel Adams” and countersigned by John Avery. In very good condition, with tape repairs to partial fold separations on reverse, light show-through from oath and endorsement on reverse, scattered toning and soiling, and several small edge tears and chips. The embossed seal directly above Adams’ signature is still crisp.
Adams, one of the Founding Fathers who was called ‘the greatest incendiary in the Empire’ by British Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson, would himself become a Massachusetts governor. Adams was serving in that very capacity when he signed this appointment for Stillman, who had defended the Maine coast from British attack during the Revolutionary War. Among Adams’ chief concerns while head of the commonwealth was delineating the division of powers between federal and state government. After being elected governor four times, the great patriot was nearing the end of his political tenure in 1795, retiring two years later and spending the rest of his life in Boston. A clean and desirable piece of New England history from a leader of the movement that became the American Revolution. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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