PHILADELPHIA – When Thomas Jefferson and John Adams went head-to-head in the 1796 United States presidential election, it was the first time that the young nation’s presidential succession system was put to the test, following George Washington’s two uncontested terms. A campaign handbill discovered in Maryland and on offer in Freeman’s Books and Manuscripts auction on February 17 represents the first time such campaign material was used to influence voters on a national scale. Offered at an estimate of $15,000-$25,000, this handbill is the only known surviving example of its kind, and is a significant artifact from an election for which any extant handbills are rare. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.