769. (GEORGE WASHINGTON) ROBERT SPRING (1813-1876) Noted American forger of the mid 19th century who deceived collectors and dealers alike with his excellent fakes of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, and other famous Americans. A forgery imitating the hand of Washington, 1p. oblong 16mo., "Head Quarters Bergen County Sept. 7th 1780" ordering that "Permission is granted to Mr Perise with his black boy Tom to pass and repass the picket at Ramapo. Go: Washington" This is a terrific example of one Robert Spring's most common forgeries, a pass through the lines from 1780, the term "Ryerson-Dick" coming from the most commonly used names by Spring. [Autograph dealer Patrick Madigan remarked in the 1930s: "Heaven knows how many times the indefatigable Spring caused 'Mr. Ryerson and his negro man, Dick,' to pass the picket at Ramapo... "] Light soiling, otherwise very good. Nicely matted and framed with an engraving of Washington. $200-300