Speaking of signers, here is a complete collection of those who signed the U.S. Constitution, including that of the Convention Secretary. There are 40 of them, 32 coming on autographed letters. Many of these names no longer jump out at us, but others are still well known today, including Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington. The previously mentioned George Clymer, who signed both of America's founding documents, also appears. Item 17. $85,000.
Item 6 is a sad letter dated December 15, 1799. It is from Tobias Lear, George Washington's private secretary, to Washington's nephew, William A. Washington. In it, Lear writes, “I have the painful task of communicating to you information of the death of...George Washington...last evening about 11 o'clock after a severe illness of about 20 hours...he died as he had lived – Fortitude in extreme pain and Composure...never left him, and he retained his reason until the last moment...” $50,000.
Are children as respectful as they used to be? We'll let you be the judge. Item 18 includes a letter from Continental Army Major General John Thomas to his daughter, and two from his sons to Thomas. From 1775, one of his sons, aged about 10-12 writes, “Honoured Pappa...I have got the Promise to come down and sea [sic] you with my Momma Next Week if I behave well Which I shall Endeavour to As far as lies in my Power... Every day draw nearer to that when I shall I hope meet the Imbraces of an indulgent Parent.” Do kids write letters like that any more? Of course not, though naturally I get text messages that sound like this all of the time. Sadly, General Thomas died the following year of smallpox during the ill-fated invasion of Quebec. $25,000.
Joe Rubinfine may be reached at 321-455-1666 or Joerubinfine@mindspring.com.
