c.1777-1785 Rufus King, ALS Founder, New York, Constitution Signer, US Senator

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c.1777-1785 Rufus King, ALS Founder, New York, Constitution Signer, US Senator:
$2595.00

Whenever you get great content in a letter from a founding father, it casts a glimpse into what was in their minds as the country was being formed.

Rufus King Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) to Edward Bangs, c. 1777–1785 | Early American Republic | Minister to Great Britain & U.S. Senator | Legal and Philosophical Content | Scarce

Summary:
Offered here is an original autograph letter signed by Rufus King (1755–1827), Founding Father, signer of the U.S. Constitution, and long-serving U.S. Senator and diplomat. This letter is addressed to Edward Bangs (1756–1818), Massachusetts Attorney General, and features a brilliant legal-philosophical argument on the nature of interpreting intention versus literal speech. The letter is written in King’s own hand and signed clearly at the bottom. It is accompanied by the original address leaf, addressed to “Mr. Edward Bangs, Counsellor, Newbury.”

This is an exceptional artifact from two of early America’s key legal and political minds, filled with dry wit and insightful commentary on public discourse and interpretation. Suitable for collectors of early American manuscripts, legal history, and Founding Father autographs.

Full Transcription:

Public Employment, must be content to point some other species of Action.
I think this is the most natural, and likewise the only consistent Construction which can be put upon the Intend’d above quoted.

If, during a Conversation, with one of my good and honest friends who had no very great Regard for the ministerial Order, he should inform me, that he determined his Son Jack should not have the Advantage of acquiring knowledge enough for a Preacher, I think I should be under no apprehension of going different from his Intention if I should report it, that my friend Jack’s father would not let him Preach.

It is very true that the Terms are not precisely the same, but I think the former authorizes the latter.

I am Dr. Sir
Your obed. Serv.
Rufus King
Wednesday 4 o’Clock P.M.

[Address leaf on verso:]

Mr. Edward Bangs
Counsellor
Newbury

Biographies:

Rufus King (1755–1827):
Rufus King was one of the most significant political figures of the early United States. A delegate to the Constitutional Convention from Massachusetts, he signed the Constitution in 1787 and became a leading Federalist voice in the early Republic. Educated at Harvard, he was a lawyer, statesman, and skilled orator. He served as a U.S. Senator from New York and twice as U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1796–1803 and 1825–1826). He was also an outspoken opponent of slavery and ran for Vice President twice and President once. His letters are relatively scarce in the marketplace, especially with strong political or legal content like this.

Edward Bangs (1756–1818):
Edward Bangs was a distinguished lawyer and public official in Massachusetts. Also a Harvard graduate, Bangs served as the Massachusetts Attorney General from 1807 to 1812. He was active in the intellectual and civic life of early Massachusetts and was a trusted correspondent of Rufus King and other key Federalists. Though less well known than King, his correspondence sheds light on the internal legal and political debates of the Revolutionary and early Federal periods.

Condition:
Good to Very Good. Expected toning, folds from mailing, and minor edge wear. One wax seal remnant on the address leaf. Ink remains dark and legible throughout. Signature of Rufus King is strong and clear. This letter has not been mounted or framed.

Dimensions:
Approx. 7.5 x 9 inches (unfolded).

Provenance:
From a private collection of early American legal and political manuscripts.

Shipping & Handling:
Will be shipped flat, securely packaged, with insurance and tracking. International shipping available.

Keywords:
Rufus King autograph, Founding Father letter, Edward Bangs, early American manuscript, 18th century letter, U.S. Constitution, Harvard, legal history, U.S. Senate, Federalist, early American lawyer, autograph letter signed, ALS, American Revolution, ministerial order, Newburyport.