Founding Fathers Manuscripts Lead Freeman’s Printed & Manuscript Americana Auction

The top lot of Freeman's' latest auction was a manuscript document signed by John Hancock, The Seed of American Victory Over Great Britain: The Continental Congress Appoints the American Envoy to France, which sold for $563,200, following a pre-sale estimate of $150,000–250,000.

Dated September 30, 1776, this newly discovered document is the first letter of credence issued by the Continental Congress, formally appointing Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Silas Deane as commissioners to negotiate a treaty of alliance with France. The manuscript represents the earliest formal expression of American diplomacy and the nation’s efforts to secure foreign support crucial to independence. One of only three known extant official copies, it is the sole example remaining in private hands.

The second-highest price in the sale was a George Washington autograph letter written just before his first inauguration which went for $371,200. Addressed to Frederick Phile and dated March 15, 1789, the letter offers an articulation of Washington’s governing philosophy at the outset of the American presidency. Responding to a request for a government appointment, Washington emphasizes that he would enter office “totally free from pre-engagements,” guided solely by “justice & the public good.”

Third of the top lots was an extremely rare printing of A Declaration of the Representatives of the United Colonies of North-America… setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms which sold for $76,800. Issued by the Continental Congress in July 1775, the document is a significant precursor to the Declaration of Independence and one of the earliest justifications of armed resistance published by the American colonies. This Providence, Rhode Island printing is one of only three surviving examples, and the only one known remaining in private hands.

Other highlights included:

• Abraham Lincoln autograph note, signed and dated April 13, 1865, the day before his assassination, authorizing General James W. Singleton to pass through Union lines to Richmond (sold for $64,000)
• George Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio
 ($64,000), a rare hand-colored deluxe issue of Catlin’s landmark portfolio recording Indigenous life in 19th century America and the result of years spent living and traveling among Native nations of the Great Plains
• Nicholas Scull's Map of the Province of Pennsylvania 
($48,000), one of the largest and most detailed American maps of the 18th century
• The Federalist by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison ($41,600
) a fine, uncut copy in original boards

Darren Winston, SVP and Head of Department, Books & Manuscripts, said: "Our consignors were pleased, particularly the owner of the John Hancock–signed letter of credence. When we first discussed the possibility of offering the document at auction, a bald eagle happened to fly overhead, an unexpected and meaningful moment that ultimately helped inspire the decision to sell."

The sale also attracted new participation, with 25% of buyers bidding with Freeman’s for the first time.