^#186 ^Lot 197 James Duane

Elected to the Continental Congress (1774–1784), Duane actively opposed British encroachments though he sought an alternative to separation, but did sign the Articles of Confederation for New York. He was appointed mayor of New York (1784–1789). Partly-printed scalloped vellum DS, signed “Ja. Duane,” one page, 14.5 x 20.5, August 24, 1787. A land indenture between Duane and Silas Thompson of the Township of Duanesburgh in the County of Albany, in which Duane has assigned “Farm Number One hundred and six…containing one hundred and four acres” to said Thompson, on the terms “that the said Party of the Second Part, his Heirs and Assigns shall faithfully pay unto the said James Duane…yearly and every year…for the term of Five years…One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Six” dollars. Docketed on reverse in pencil. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one passing through the first letter of the signature, a uniform shade of toning with scattered darker areas, some scattered light foxing, a few mild spots of soiling, a few small areas of separations at the folds, and a pencil notation.