Lot 21
Smith, William Stephens - Document Signed by John Adams' Son-in-Law During the Quasi War With France (1755-1816) Revolutionary War officer; a founder of the Society of the Cincinnati; appointed surveyor of the port of New York by John Adams, whose daughter Abigail ("Nabby") he married in 1786. His poor business judgment, especially land speculation, placed them under severe financial restraints, causing him to be denied command of a brigade by the Senate at the beginning of the undeclared naval war (Quasi War) with France (1798-1800); instead, he was given command of a regiment, a lower rank.
Manuscript document signed "W.S. Smith" as Commanding Officer, 1st Regiment Artillery & Engineers, Union Brigade (Scotch Plains, New Jersey), one page, 6 x 7½", May 31, 1800. Being a return for flour for hair powder for two companies: 90 men for 7 days, 3 oz. per man, for a total of 16 lbs., 14 oz, costing 96 cents. Signed by Brigade Quartermaster Gordon twice (once for Dep. Qtr. Master Gen. Aaron Ogden). Toned, else fine. Large, bold signature. In 1806, Smith was accused of violating the Neutrality Act of 1794 by using his influence to support a Venezuelan revolutionary, Francisco de Miranda. He was indicted, tried and acquitted but when he was elected as a Federalist to Congress (1813-15), his election credentials were not accepted by the 14th Congress. Estimate $300 - 500
Ex The Wolfe Family Trust Collection.
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