Lot 2101

GEORGE WYTHE (1726-1806) SIGNED 1747 LEGAL LETTER DOCUMENT

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GEORGE WYTHE (1726-1806) SIGNED 1747 LEGAL LETTER DOCUMENT

Estimate: $500 - $800

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)

by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
June 27, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
2177 Green Valley Lane
Mt. Crawford, VA, US 22841

GEORGE WYTHE (1726-1806) SIGNED 1747 LEGAL LETTER DOCUMENT, manuscript on paper, letter from George Wythe discussing the court case of Harrison vs Jones, in which he is representing the plaintiff, Charles Harrison, suing Nicholas Jones for 100 pounds sterling for what seems to be slander and defamation of character. The verdict was recorded as not guilty with leave. Professionally matted. Dated 1747. 6 3/4" x 11 1/2" object, 22" x 28" OA.
Catalogue Note: George Wythe was admitted to the bar in 1746 and practiced in Spotsylvania County. He served as Attorney General of Virginia (1754-1755 and 1766-1767). In 1776, he was the first of seven Virginia signatories of the Declaration of Independence. He also helped design the Seal of Virginia. In 1806, Wythe died of suspected arsenic poisoning by his 17-year-old grand-nephew, George Wythe Sweeney. Sweeney was eventually acquitted mainly due to a legal technicality, but many still thought him guilty.

  • Provenance:

    From the Richard and Catherine Hubbard collection, Cape Charles/Williamsburg, VA.
    Early American History Auctions, Inc., Winchester, VA, 10/8/2002.

  • Condition:

    Letter is in very good condition; it has three horizontal folds; the middle one seems to have some restoration work, there are a few holes around the fold lines, a missing bottom right corner, and some pieces are missing along the right side. The ink is still dark and legible, and Wythe's signature is in good condition.

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$200 $499 $25
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$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000