Wealthy New Jersey merchant who was elected to the Continental Congress late, Stockton only heard the closing debate on the Declaration of Independence, which he signed. DS, three pages on two adjoining 7.5 x 12.5 sheets, May 1763. A lengthy legal document, written entirely in Stockton's hand, in the case of Stockton against Jacob Swallow in a case of trespass and failure to repay a loan made three years earlier. Stockton is bringing suit against Swallow for a little more than eleven pounds. Hundreds of words in Stockton's hand, including many intricate legal terms. Body of text contains two full signatures and another on the docket on the reverse of the second page, with his first name appearing in the text an additional twelve times. Light toning along folds, splitting along horizontal folds and some separation along spine of pages, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
