[James Wilson]. Manuscript Plat Map of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania with Autograph Endorsement Signed by Revolutionary War Veteran John Adlum  with related papers. The map measures 34" x 24.75", and is made of ten separate sheets of laid paper backed with period linen. At top is written: "A DRAFT of Different Tracts of Land in Luzerne County, State of Pennsylvania. Surveyed for the Honourable James Wilson, Esq. & Henry Drinker, Esq." 

John Adlum endorses the map as being true and offers an assessment of the land: "This doth certify that I am well acquainted with the greater part of the lands situate on the heads of Sugar Creek the south branch of Tyoga and Tawanda creeks surveyed in the names of Myers Fisher and Henry Drinker. They are a strong rich soil generally of a chocolate color suitable for either Green or grass they are timbered with beech, birch, lynn... As to the remainder, I am not sufficiently acquainted with to say anything respecting them they having been surveyed under the direction of James Chapman whom I have always understood to be a man of integrity and in truth.  [Signed] John Adlum / Philadelphia 9th March 1797"

Beneath Adlum's endorsement is a signed attestation from James Chapman that he was employed by James Wilson "to go up the Susquehanna into the last purchase to locate and Superentend the surveying of a large body of lands, I was engaged in his employ from some time in May till about the middle of December locating and attending to the Surveying of land for him..." Chapman provides a description of the land, including soil type and size and indicates that it was along the New York border.

The map shows various tracts, and lists the names of the owners. There are approximately 35 tracts that are identified as belonging to James Wilson, signer of the Declaration of Independence. There are additional tracts adjoining Wilson's that are identified as belonging to Charles Carroll. We were not able to determine if this is Charles Carroll of Carrollton or a namesake.

The map is accompanied by ten land indentures related to Luzerne County, including two signed by Thomas McKean. Many of the indentures are made out to Matthias Hollenback, whose name is listed as owner on several tracts in the map.

This archive also includes a second smaller map of lands along the shore of the Susquehanna and indentures for land in nearby counties. There are additional land filings and deeds that are dated into the mid-19th Century. A note pinned to the larger map indicates that it was found "among the papers of the late surveyor Isaac Chapman - Surveyor at Wilkes Barre -" and presented by his son to William Chamberlain, who in turn gave it to Hiram & Bull. Also present, is a leather wrap containing additional papers.

Condition: Map of Luzerne County has heavy wear, and paper has curled at edges affecting text. Overall condition of the vellum indentures is good, all with deep folds. Remaining papers are in poor condition, with multiple tears and separations, and are included only as provenance.