King James I, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington Lead Autographs Sale
1615 warrant signed by King James I of England authorizing the release of Sir Walter Raleigh from the Tower of London
Leading RR Auction’s March Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction is a 1615 warrant signed “James R” by KIng James I of England authorizing the release of Sir Walter Raleigh from the Tower of London so he could prepare for an expedition to South America.
Dated March 19, 1615, the one-page document (estimate: $60,000) directs that Raleigh be permitted to go abroad under supervision to outfit ships and provisions for the voyage. The warrant retains its original white paper seal, partially intact, and marks a turning point in Raleigh’s life before his ill-fated 1617 expedition and execution in 1618.
Also going under the hammer is a 1790 letter signed “Th: Jefferson” as Secretary of State. Written from New York, the letter (estimate: $20,000) forwards authenticated copies of newly-enacted federal laws to Thomas Mifflin, President of Pennsylvania, including the Act for the Government of the Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio, the framework for what would become Tennessee. Unlike the Northwest Ordinance, this act permitted slavery within the territory.
Other auctions highlights include:
- a rare 1768 Mountain Road Lottery ticket signed “G:o Washington” (estimate: $20,000)
- a handwritten musical manuscript by Johann Strauss II from his operetta Prinz Methusalem (estimate: $30,000)
- an 1869 second edition copy of On the Origin of Species signed and inscribed by Charles Darwin (estimate: $8,000)
Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Science and Technology will close on March 18.
