Lot 90
1780 Revolutionary War Orders for Cambridge, Massachusetts, Manuscript document signed by Thomas Farrington, town clerk of Cambridge, one page, 9 x 7 inches, Dec. 15, 1780. To Thomas Thwing, constable of Cambridge, requiring him "to warn all the Inhabitants in the South Precinct in sd. Town qualified to vote in Town affairs to assemble at the Court House in Cambridge" on December 18th. They were to vote on the following: The number of men required in the Army as referenced by the General Assembly; supplying the Army with 35,255 lbs of beef; if they would instruct their Representatives regarding a tender Act; laying before the Town the accounts of the members of Convention for framing a Constitution or frame of Government and for regulating prices on various articles. Constable Thomas Thwing signs on the verso that he has warned all freeholders of the upcoming meeting time and place. Small area of paper loss at lower right (about 1 x 1 inch) affecting a few words of text, small archival repair on verso, else a scarce document in overall very good shape.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was drafted by John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin during the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention between September 1 and October 30, 1779. Following approval by town meetings, the Constitution was ratified on June 15, 1780 and became effective on October 25, 1780. It remains the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
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| Realized $1,050 |
