Lot 21
  • 21

Samuel Huntington, Signer of the Declaration from Connecticut, as Governor

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Autograph letter signed ("Saml Huntington"), discussing a survey of Connecticut’s claims to the Ohio Valley
  • Paper, Ink
One page (11¾ x 7¼ in.; 300 x 184 mm), Norwich, 28 March 1787, to Isaac Sherman; tipped to a larger leaf.

Catalogue Note

Connecticut’s original land grant from 1662 theoretically ran coast to coast. Competing claims to western lands caused strife among several states, and was one of the issues dealt with in the Constitutional Convention only months after this letter was written. The Wyoming Valley became part of Pennsylvania and the Western Reserve became part of the new state of Ohio. Connecticut finally relinquished its western lands in 1800—the last state to do so. 

“The Information you have given relative to the western lands is very acceptable; I wish to receive the best Information in your power respecting those lands referred by Connecticutt, in particular the quality of the Situation, whether & how far they border on Lake Erie, & every other material circumstance which may have come to your knowledge.

“One principal design in appointing s Surveyor from each State, Undoubtedly was, that the states might have a more perfect knowledge of these Western lands as they are located from time to time; you will therefore Communicate to me as the opportunity presents, all material Information respecting this Subject. Should have wrote you repeatedly the last Season, if I had known of my Safe or certain Conveyance.” In closing Huntington requests Sherman to provide him with the best way of corresponding with him while he is undertaking the survey. Isaac Sherman was the son of another Connecticut Signer, Roger Sherman, and served as Lieutenant Colonel in the 8th Connecticut Regiment during the Revolution War.