Autographs
Exceedingly Rare "Henry Middleton" President of the Continental Congress Signed South Carolina Note Rarity Without Any "Cancellation" Lines Through Its Signatures!
HENRY MIDDLETON (1717-1784). A "Founding Father" of the United States from South Carolina; Member of the Colonial legislature, during the American Revolution he attended the Continental Congress and served as its President in 1774; also Signed the "Continental Association" but left Congress before it declared Independence. (*The only "Collectable" examples of Henry Middleton's rare signature for autograph collectors are found on this issue.)
South Carolina. April-May 1775 Issue. Twenty Pounds. May 1, 1775 Handwritten Date. Large Size Format Promissory Note, PCGS graded Very Fine-25. Fr. SC-971. This note is printed with fancy designs both face and back. It is in remarkable intact condition and bright, having a full Never-Cancelled clear rare signature of "Henry Middleton" as virtually all others seen display heavy manuscript cancel lines across his name. The holder states repaired, pieces added. This comment referring to two small half inch early paper patches added by a collector to reinforce two small ink erosion areas, one in the serial number at the bottom margin edge, and at the central date at May being from apparent ink erosion. This fully issued note has only a very few known still existent. Printed in black on thin laid period paper, being fully Signed by Henry Middleton, Thomas Lynch, Roger Smith, Miles Brewton and Benjamin Huger. All signatures are clearly seen, remarkably "Cancel-Free," thus we anticipate strong competition.
This emergency issue of authorized South Carolina private promissory notes were the very first issued to finance Revolutionary War expenditures, even before the organization of the Provincial Congress. Another remarkable occurrence is that the outbreak of the American Revolution occurred at the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Whereas, this issue with its Handwritten dates started on April 18th, 1775. They knew that War with Britain was imminent, and it was apparently understood at the time that these notes would ultimately be the responsibility of the Province. This note is boldly Signed in full "Henry Middleton" as the top signer above: Thomas Lynch, Miles Brewton, Benjamin Huger, and Roger Smith.
These prominent signers' backgrounds and fates are integral to the history of the American Revolution. Henry Middleton served briefly as the President of the Continental Congress but struggled with the concept of Independence. Benjamin Huger was killed by friendly fire in 1779 while serving in the war. Miles Brewton (along with his family) was lost at sea months after he signed this note, while traveling to Philadelphia to attend the Continental Congress. Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1727-1776) was a successful planter from Charleston, South Carolina, important in having participated in many "key" events that shaped the American Revolution, including the 1765 Stamp Act Congress, 1774 First Continental Congress, and 1775 Second Continental Congress playing a key role in helping convince Congress to select George Washington as Commander-In-Chief of the American Army. Suffering a stroke that left him paralyzed, his son, Thomas Lynch, Jr. took his place and ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence representing South Carolina in 1776. A rare and historically highly important note. Of even greater rarity and importance, being without any of the typical heavy "Cancellation" lines through its famous signatures for autograph collectors.