Hanson, SR. Archive re: 1 Million lbs of Tobacco in 1795, G. Washington Association

Archive comprised of 10pp file copy of legal papers twice signed by Chancellor of Maryland Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr., an engraving of Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr., and a reproduced image of Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr.

The first item in the archive is a 10pp duplicate copy of legal papers relating to a court case that wrapped up around 1798. The case concerned the plaintiff Thomas Hanson of Prince George County, Maryland, who requested a subpoena and an injunction from Chancellor Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr. and other members of the Annapolis, Maryland Chancery Court. Hanson’s complaint was issued against defendants John Sutton formerly of Alexandria, Virginia and Philip Stewart of Charles County, Maryland.

Although the individual charges are numerous and extremely complicated, the gist of the case concerned the payment (or non-payment) of crop tobacco and land rents. Over 1,000,000 lbs of crop tobacco was concerned, as was land along the Potomack River between Pomonkey, Maryland and Dumfries, Virginia. Starting back in 1784, there had been disagreements between the men about what payments had been made in either crop tobacco, currency, or land; how values had changed over time; and how original debts changed with the addition of interest. Until the Chancery Court ruled on the case, the plaintiff Hanson requested that Sutton and Stewart appear in court, and that no further payments would be made until the case was decided. It is uncertain what the court ultimately decided, although a later June 1800 docket note suggests it ruled in favor of the “deft”.

The document is signed twice by Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr. as “AC Hanson, Chanr” on the bottom of pages seven and nine, and it is also signed thrice by Annapolis, Maryland alderman “Samuel Harvey Howard” on pages seven, eight, and nine. Hanson’s signature is large and dynamic, with intersecting letters, loops, and flourishes. Some of the pages are bifold, while others are loose leaf, the whole being folded in a bundle with docket information and itemized charges verso. Overall, the document is in good condition. The text is dark and clear, although there is toning, scattered stains, and some minor tears along folds. Remnants of a partial paper seal are also included. Each page measures 9.25” x 14.75”.

Two portraits of Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr. include: first, an oval shaped engraving signed “A.C. Hanson” underneath and bearing the caption “Alexander Contee Hanson, Aide to Gen. Washington, Chancellor of Maryland”, with overall foxing mostly outside the image, paper size 9” x 11.5”; and the second that appears to be a reproduced image after Jarvis as engraved by Edwin laid in paper measuring 8.75” x 11.5”.

After receiving his legal training and surviving a shipwreck, Alexander Contee Hanson, Sr. (1749-1806) served as the Assistant Private Secretary to General George Washington (1732-1799). Hanson, Sr. then revived his legal work, becoming a state judge, a law expert, and a prolific pamphleteer throughout the 1780s. Between 1789 and his death seventeen years later, Hanson Sr. served as Chancellor of Maryland. Hanson, Sr. sat in review of the U.S. Constitution during his tenure as Chancellor, and supported its adoption.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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