Autographs
President "John Adams" Signed Four Language Ship Papers

Also Signed "Timothy Pickering," "Jos.(eph) Hiller," and William Prescott, Jr.

the Son of the Noted American Revolutionary War Hero William Prescott, Sr.
JOHN ADAMS (1735 - July 4, 1826). 2nd President of the United States (1797"1801), American Founding Father, Lawyer, Statesman, Diplomat and Leading Champion of American Independence in 1776, Defended the British Soldiers involved in the "Boston Massacre," a Leading Federalist.
June 8, 1797-Dated Partially-Printed Document, Official Four Language Ship Papers Signed, "John Adams" as President, with "Timothy Pickering" as Secretary of State (1745-1829), plus "Jos.(eph) Hiller" as Collector of the District of Salem and Beverly (Mass.), Framed, Very Fine. This Document measures 15.5" x 19.5" (by sight), having archival professional framing under Plexiglas with custom inner wood trim liner and linen surround, measuring fully to 26" x 30" being ready to hang on display. There are four small fold intersection wear holes, the paper having been well blended in repair and conservation, some words of text lost in the second column from right near bottom. Overall, this is a whole solid document, not having the typical tears wrinkles and splits often seen. The large white official Embossed Seal of the United States at left is virtually perfect, being fully intact with an exceptional sharp strike and details. The black printed text is strong, clear and sharp with clear rich brown ink manuscript portions and signatures as shown. This Document was made to the Ship "Hazen" of the Port of Salem (Mass.), Jonathan Hodges being Master and Commander, bound for Batavia with a cargo of "Wine, Balast & Stores." Also, Signed multiple times by, "Wm. Prescott" (1762-1844) as Justice of the Peace at Salem, Mass. who graduated in the Harvard Class of 1783, was a Revolutionary War Major in the Salem Regiment, Lawyer, and State Senator. Timothy Pickering was a politician from Salem, Massachusetts who served in a variety of roles most notably as the Third United States Secretary of State under Presidents George Washington, and on this current Document for John Adams. Pickering also represented Massachusetts in both houses of Congress as a member of the Federalist Party. Overall, this "John Adams" Signed Four Language Ship Papers is quite clean and attractive, well above average having significant eye appeal. The primary signature, "John Adams" as President is very large and prominent. It stands out clearly in the wide open field just above, "By the President," with Adams' tall signature measuring a very large 3" long. An important Document signed "John Adams" and others, nicely framed and ready for display.
William Prescott, Jr. who Signs this Document as Justice of the Peace at Salem, Massachusetts (1762-1844), was the Son of the noted American Revolutionary War hero William Prescott, Sr. (1726-1795), the historic Revolutionary War Colonial Militia Officer.



William Prescott, Sr. was the Commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was a veteran officer of the French and Indian War, respected so much by the British that he was offered a commission by them, but declined. On June 16, 1775, he was ordered by General Israel Putnam to lead a number of Militia companies encamped at Cambridge and occupy the heights of Charlestown overlooking Boston Harbor.



Initially directed to occupy Bunker Hill, he perceived nearby Breed's Hill, while lower in elevation, was closer to the harbor. He set his men to building an earth fort atop the hill through the night. They were not discovered until morning when the fort was nearly complete. In the battle that followed on the afternoon of June 17, 1775, the American militia repulsed two charges by elite British troops under General Sir William Howe, and gave way only after their ammunition and supplies were expended. Prescott is remembered for calmly strolling the earthworks under fire to inspire his men, and for his precise order to conserve ammunition and make every shot count: "Aim low, boys. Fire at their waistbands, and wait 'till you see the whites of their eyes."



Colonel William Prescott (Sr.), also noted Salem Poor's valor and gallantry at the Battle of Bunker Hill, prompting him and 14 officers, to cite Poor for heroism, and petition the General Court of Massachusetts with the following statement:



The Reward due to so great and Distinguished a Character. The Subscribers beg leave to Report to your Honorable. House (Which We do in justice to the Character of so Brave a man) that under Our Own observation, we declare that A Negro Man Called Salem Poor of Col. Fryes Regiment, Capt. Ames. Company in the late Battle of Charleston, behaved like an Experienced Officer, as Well as an Excellent Soldier, to Set forth Particulars of his Conduct would be Tedious, We Would Only beg leave to say in the Person of this Negro Centers a Brave & gallant Soldier.