Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana

On the evening of July 6, 1776, the text of the Declaration of Independence was announced to justify the United States’ freedom from Great Britain. The first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock. Due in part to his influence in the movement for American independence, the document was adopted and the United States came into existence. A historic letter from Hancock announcing the Declaration is a highlight of the upcoming Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana auction, presented by Sotheby’s. The letters, books, and manuscripts featured in this auction include over 150 items related to the American Revolution and other periods of American history. 

An autographed letter from Abraham Lincoln addressed to Joshua Reed Giddings is also available in the sale. The letter discusses Lincoln’s hopes as he entered the presidential bid: “May the Almighty grant that the cause of truth, justice, and humanity, shall in no wise suffer at my hands.” In addition, a first edition copy of Alonso de Molina’s Spanish to Nahuatl and Nahuatl to Spanish dictionary will be available. This was the first bilingual dictionary to translate the ancient Aztec language. An extensive selection of handbills, broadsides, pamphlets, and ephemera from the private collection of Bailey Bishop stands out as well. To view these lots and more, visit Sotheby’s and register to bid.