WILLIAM ELLERY (1727 - 1820) Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Ellery was a prominent Rhode Island lawyer who represented the state in the Continental Congress and in the proceedings leading the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Nice content A.L.S. "Wm. Ellery", 2pp. large 8vo., with integral holograph address leaf, Newport, Jan. 16, 1810 to Mass. Congressman William Stedman, in which Ellery recommends his "good friend", Daniel E. Updike's son, Richard. Ellery explains that the young man had had "from his childhood a strong propensity for the seas", as a naval warship's purser. Ellery seeks out Stedman's assistance, as his correspondent was an influential committeeman on commercial and naval affairs in Congress. Ellery admits: "...I have not the least acquaintance with the Secry. of the Navy [Paul Hamilton], nor do I know that you have, but I cannot refuse anything to a man who in the most trying times performed his official duties with fidelity...". Very good, tipped to another sheet. Updike was a founder of North Kingston's Washington Academy.