Freeman’s Printed & Manuscript Americana auction on January 29 realized a strong $1,897,216 total, marking the first sale in a series of auctions and public programming planned for 2026 in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The auction was led by the sustained demand for presidential and Founding Era material and achieved an impressive 143% sell-through rate by value, with 80% of lots sold. The sale also attracted new participation, with 25% of buyers bidding with Freeman’s for the first time.

"The entire Freeman’s Books & Manuscripts team was thrilled with the results of this inaugural sale marking the 250th anniversary of American independence,” said Darren Winston, SVP and Head of Department, Books & Manuscripts. “Drawing consignments from across the original thirteen colonies and beyond, the auction brought together material that reflects the breadth and depth of the nation’s history. Our consignors were equally pleased, particularly the owner of the John Hancock–signed letter of credence, which realized $563,200. When we first discussed the possibility of offering the document at auction, a bald eagle happened to fly overhead—an unexpected and meaningful moment that ultimately helped inspire the decision to sell."
 
The top lot of the auction was a manuscript document signed by John Hancock, The Seed of American Victory Over Great Britain: The Continental Congress Appoints the American Envoy to France—Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Silas Deane, which realized $563,200, nearly quadrupling its pre-sale estimate of $150,000–250,000. Dated September 30, 1776, this newly discovered document is the first letter of credence issued by the Continental Congress, formally appointing Franklin, Jefferson, and Deane as commissioners to negotiate a treaty of alliance with France. Of exceptional historical importance, the manuscript represents the earliest formal expression of American diplomacy and the nation’s efforts to secure foreign support crucial to independence. One of only three known extant official copies, it is the sole example remaining in private hands.

In the same vein, the second-highest price in the sale was achieved by a George Washington autograph letter (Lot 148), written just weeks before his first inauguration, which realized $371,200, surpassing its $250,000–350,000 estimate. Addressed to Frederick Phile and dated March 15, 1789, the letter offers a rare articulation of Washington’s governing philosophy at the very outset of the American presidency. Responding to a request for a government appointment, Washington emphasizes that he would enter office “totally free from pre-engagements,” guided solely by “justice & the public good.” The phrase appears only infrequently in his writings and, in this context, represents the only known example to have reached the market.

Rounding out the top three lots was an extremely rare printing of A Declaration of the Representatives of the United Colonies of North-America… setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms (Lot 23), which sold for $76,800. Issued by the Continental Congress in July 1775, the document stands as one of the most significant precursors to the Declaration of Independence and one of the earliest justifications of armed resistance published by the American colonies. This Providence, Rhode Island printing is one of only three surviving examples, and the only one known remaining in private hands.
 
Additional highlights include Lincoln, Abraham. Autograph Note, signed, sold for $64,000. Tripling the $20,000–30,000 estimate, this autograph note signed by Abraham Lincoln and dated April 13, 1865 — the day before his assassination — authorizes General James W. Singleton to pass through Union lines to Richmond. One of only a handful of documents written by Lincoln in the final days of his life, the note reflects his direct involvement in early Reconstruction efforts and carries exceptional historical resonance. Also, Catlin, George. Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio sold for $64,000. Surpassing the $40,000–60,000 estimate, this rare hand-colored deluxe issue of Catlin’s landmark portfolio stands among the most important illustrated records of indigenous life in 19th-century America. The result of years spent living and traveling among native nations of the Great Plains, the work is celebrated for both its artistic achievement and its sympathetic documentation of indigenous cultures.

Also, Nicholas Scull's Map of the Province of Pennsylvania sold for $48,000ne of the largest and most detailed American maps of the 18th century, Nicholas Scull Jr.’s monumental survey depicts Pennsylvania with extraordinary accuracy and richness of detail. With fewer than a dozen institutional examples known and only a handful appearing at auction in the past fifty years, the map’s strong result reflects sustained collector demand for foundational American cartography.

The Federalist (Hamilton, Jay, and Madison) sold for $41,600, nearly tripling its $15,000–25,000 estimate, the bidding for this exceptionally fine, uncut copy in original boards of The Federalist -- widely regarded as the most important work in American political thought — was highly contested. Copies in such untouched condition are exceedingly rare and highly prized by collectors and institutions alike.
 
Other successes included a copy of the Peter Force printing of the Declaration of Independence which sold for $41,600; a George Washington Autograph letter, signed ($38,400); a Benjamin Franklin Autograph Letter, signed ($32,000); Autograph notes of Charles A. Leale, recounting Lincoln's assassination ($28,800); The Deplorable State of New-England, By Reason of a Covetous and Treacherous Governour, and Pusillanimous Counsellors...to be Published in their Boston News-letter...which sold for $24,320; and an ALS (autograph letter signed) by the Marquis de Lafayette which brought $19,200.

For more information contact Darren Winston at (312) 280-1212.