Morris Lewis


Declaration Signer Lewis Morris Superb Signature

Fantastic Lewis Morris signature on a sheet 3.5" x 1.5". Boldly signed by Lewis Morris as "I am yr afft Father / Lewis Morris". The page adhered to another backing sheet. Expected uneven toning, and with lovely strong vibrant ink.

Though residing in a pro-Loyalist area, with neighbors holding strong views of affection, warmth and loyalty to the King, Morris became increasingly critical of British policy. As new laws were heaped upon older laws, and became more restrictive, he began to lean in the direction of the liberty seeking people both in the colony and the city of New York and the surrounding areas. It became increasingly difficult to ship goods to any other place. One could not trade unless the goods were shipped in English bottoms, and passed through English ports.

Elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress from New York, Morris, took his seat in Philadelphia on 15 May 1775. He was quickly placed on a Committee, with George Washington as chair, to address the problems of supplying military stores, arms and ammunition to the army. At the close of the session of Congress, Lewis Morris was sent to the western country to assist with inducing the Indians to either make common cause with the colonists, or at least remain neutral. He remained at Pittsburgh throughout the winter, returning to his seat in the Continental Congress by early March 1776.

The problem with New York was that the Provincial Assembly felt that they had to walk somewhat lightly on this subject, because there was still a strong influence toward British thinking among some of the powerful merchants and political appointees in the City. So the Assembly held back on the matter, until after the efforts of all the other colonies had brought forth a consensus upon independence on 2 July 1776, and upon a Declaration of the same on 4 July 1776. Finally on 9 July 1776, the New York Assembly agreed to support Independence, and that vote was promptly carried to Philadelphia, were the New York delegation could now heartily approve, making the Declaration of Independence a unanimous action on 11 July 1776.

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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