^Lot 182 Declaration of Independence: Josiah Bartlett

Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire (1729–1795). Scarce ALS signed “Your loving father, Josiah Bartlett,” one page, 6.5 x 8.5, December 7, 1776. Letter to his son Levi Bartlett. In full: “I hope this will find you well as it leaves me & your mother & the rest of the family. Mr Thayer is to be ordained here on Wednesday the 18th Day of this month and if you are Desirous to come up and have got well of your laments you may set off on Tuesday morning before the ordination and come a foot as far as Almsbury ferry and I will send an horse to meet you there unless the weather is very stormy; if it is, I would not have you set out in the rain. Write me word by Mr Noyes whither you are better of your lameness. If you know of any better way that you can come up let me know it by writing.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Bartlett‘s hand to “To Levi Bartlett att Dummer’s School.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, reinforced hinge, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, and small area of paper loss to second page from wax seal. According to American Book Prices Current, in the last 40 years, only four ALSs of Josiah Bartlett penned in 1776 have ever been offered for sale at major public auctions.