The Revolution Comes to Dallas!

Historical Documents, Manuscripts Spotlight the American Revolution

DALLAS, TEXAS: One of the most significant struggles in human history, the American War of Independence established the United States as a nation to be reckoned with, and shaped the course of international events for the next two-and-a-half centuries.

As every schoolchild in America knows, the War of Independence was fought to end British control of America, and to allow the United States to exist as its own, independent nation. Since that time, the people and events involved in the conflict have grown to legendary proportions.

"It shouldn't surprise anyone that material relating to the War of Independence is highly collectible," said Tom Slater, Director of Americana Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "The people involved in this legendary struggle are true American heroes, and the event itself is one that resonates with every American citizen."

"We're pleased to offer several significant items relating to the American Revolution in our upcoming auction," Slater said. "First is a fascinating - and very rare - Tory broadside documenting the imprisonment of Hopestill Capen, a Loyalist merchant and shopkeeper who was imprisoned for more than a year for his pro-British leanings. The owner of the building that Bostonians know today as the Union Oyster House, an historic landmark in its own right, Capen had this broadside published to plead his case to the public. Making this piece even more desirable is the fact that it bears Capen's handwritten annotations, specifically his account of his arrest and several Bible verses that he copied out on the reverse. Tory documents are an unusual find, and this piece, with its close connection to Boston history, is a real gem."

"When one speaks of important American documents," Slater said, "no single piece of paper can claim the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence. A turning point in the history of our nation, the opening words are known to virtually everyone: 'When, in the course of human events...' Only a handful of documents throughout history can come close to equaling the Declaration of Independence for historical importance and for lasting value, and we're proud to present an 1837 copy of this important document, printed by Peter Force."

"The significance of this copy cannot be overstated," Slater continued. "In 1833, historian and printer Peter Force, under contract with the Department of State authorized by Act of Congress, planned to compile a vast work in at least 20 volumes, to be known as the 'American Archives, a Documentary History of the English Colonies in North America.' It would include legislative records, documents, and historic private correspondence. Six volumes were published from 1837-1846 and three more between 1846-1853. The nine volumes covered the years 1774-1776. Inserted in Volume 1 was a copy of the Declaration of Independence. The 'Wet Ink' copperplate copy of the Declaration, created by engraver William J. Stone years earlier - the version that has become fixed in the public mind as the 'real' Declaration - had been removed from storage and, from it, Force printed copies on rice paper. It is one of these copies, of which only a relative handful exist, that we are offering on our October auction."

"Last, but far from least," Slater said, "is a manuscript letter signed by our first President, George Washington. In this important document, dated August 5, 1781, Washington tells Brigadier General James Clinton that he has ordered Major General Benjamin Lincoln into Massachusetts to raise troops, as those he has repeatedly requested from Massachusetts Governor John Hancock have not as yet arrived, and he fears for the exposed border of New York State. At the time that this letter was written, Washington was still the Commander of the Continental Army - the War of Independence would last until the British surrendered at Yorktown on October 17, 1781 - and he was obviously still concerned with the course of the war. This is a fascinating letter that provides a glimpse into the mind of a great leader caught up in an historic struggle. Washington letters are always in demand, but this one, with its important, Revolutionary War content, is a particular treasure."

"Of course, the few pieces mentioned here barely scratch the surface of the incredible offerings in our October auction," Slater said. "I hope that everyone with an interest in the history of our great nation will take the opportunity to visit our website at HA.com, where they can view the entire auction and even place bids online."

1776 Revolutionary War Broadside: Hopestill Capen's Personal Copy:
ESTIMATE: $10,000 - $15,000

Peter Force printing of The Declaration of Independence:
ESTIMATE: $25,000 - $35,000

Important George Washington Manuscript Letter Signed "G: Washington":
ESTIMATE: $25,000 - $30,000

Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their Grand Format Autograph Auction on October 12, 2006 at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of political memorabilia, Americana, and related collectibles are invited to visit www.HA.com and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Tom Slater at TomS@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HA.com to order by email.