Description:

ALEXANDER HAMILTON
(1755 - 1804) American politician who, with Madison and Jay, supported the Constitution through contributions to The Federalist, first Secretary of the Treasury who built the national fiscal system, mortally wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr. A.Ms. (unsigned), 1p. small 4to., [n.p., n.d. but 1785]. A portion of a discourse on the laws of inheritance in the United States and the use of English law: "5- If for any such brother or sister shall die his or her immediate Child or Children shall stand in the place of the parent; and if more than one, shall take as tenants in common in equal parts. In all other cases of collateral descent the rules of the law of England prevail. As to testamentary disposition these must be learned from consulting the will of the persons; in the construction of what our law is the same as that of Great Britain". Below, Hamilton's son JAMES A. HAMILTON has added an authenticating endorsement: "the above in the Autograph of Alexander Hamilton (my Father) written in 1784 James A. Hamilton, Octr. 1864". A fascinating piece of legal writing highlighting the fact that although the United States was now an independent nation, its legal system would continue to observe English common law in many circumstances. Mounted to a nineteenth century album sheet, usual folds, and light toning, else very good.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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