Declaration of Independence Signer Elbridge Gerry

Written and addressed entirely in Gerry's hand and signed "Mr. and Mrs. Gerry's best respects to Governor Sumner & Lady", the document is dated Oct. 25, 1798, Cambridge (MA). The document is addressed to Governor Sumner of Roxbury (MA). Gerry presents a fascinating reading list of "Books and pamphlets brot [sic] from Paris by Mr. G..." Most of these books regard the French Revolution, then raging on the Continent. Neatly penned. Addressed in his holograph.

Here's some additional background: Gerry was one of three men who refused to sign the Constitution because it did not have a Bill of Rights. He was also fifth Vice-President of the United States (1813-1814) under James Madison and before that, he was governor of Massachusetts.

Gerry had been appointed by President Adams to a delegation to France that had been humiliated by the French in the XYZ Affair. The XYZ Affair resulted from attempts by President John Adams to negotiate peace with the French, who had seized nearly 300 American ships bound for British ports in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean. Three French agents, originally called X,Y, and Z demanded but did not receive a large cash bribe. Gerry was the last to leave the continent.

Small seal tear affecting nothing. Else excellent condition.