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THB2 John Overton Signed Letters, 1803, re: TN Statehood
About Seller
4310 Papermill Dr. NW
Knoxville, TN 37909
United States
Case Auctions is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, where our gallery is located, with satellite offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Kingsport, TN – but our reach is worldwide. Established in 2005, we conduct cataloged auctions of investment-quality art and antiques under the stewardship of knowledgeabl...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 6, 2024
Our July 6-7 Live Auction in Knoxville features more than 1,000 lots of Fine Art, Antiques and Jewelry from the founding family of Rogersville, TN, and from the historic Pinckney family of Charleston, SC; from the estate of William J. Eskind of Nashville; the living estate of Jerry Waters, Maryville, the estate of U.S. Ambassador Ron Schlicher of Brentwood, and from other fine estates and private and museum collections. Sale starts 9 AM Eastern Time on Saturday, July 6 (lots #1-671) and continues at 1 PM Sunday, July 7 (lots #672-1086) at our Knoxville Gallery, 4310 Papermill Drive. Case Auctions bid@caseantiques.com
View Full Catalog (670)
- Lot Description
John Overton of Tennessee (1766-1833), two 1803 letters, signed, documenting the beginning of his negotiations with North Carolina over land issues including settlements and land grants or titles in the newly formed state of Tennessee (once part of North Carolina). The letters are bound together and each measures 9 1/2" x 7 14". The first document (1 sheet, front and back, signed by Overton and dated Nov. 26, 1803) concerns Overton's appointment as Agent for the state of Tennessee. The second is a 7-sheet (13 pages, front and back) letter signed by Overton and dated Dec. 3, 1803, asking the North Carolina legislature to "mak(e) good on claims on land in Tennessee which originated under the laws of North Carolina" and arguing eloquently that NC should allow Tennessee "to issue grants upon imperfect claims within the limits of her state" rather than forcing the settlers of Tennessee to deal with North Carolina. He writes: "The Agent cannot dismiss this important subject to the interest of his country, without again observing that the expense, lots of time, and trouble, attendant on traveling from Tennessee over the mountains the distance of from four to six hundred miles are grievances felt by all descriptions of people in that state; and from which they, earnestly entreat their mother country to assist them in being relieved."
"It is the first duty of a state to study the disposition and habits of its people," Overton writes on page 7. "Tennessee therefore being an infant state, fondly attached to her agricultural interests, by having a large quantity of waste and uncultivated lands, for the improvement of which she wishes to acquire citizens, it were natural to conclude, that she desires to take every step consistent with justice, for the security of the landed interests of the country. Upon this point, emigration, the settlement of her wilderness lands, and respectability of the state, essentially depends."
Note: also included with these period documents is a 1946 signed typewritten letter from Judge Walter W. Faw to the Hon. Hu C. Anderson of Jackson, Tennessee, discussing the significance of the documents.
Virginia-born John Overton had moved to Nashville in 1789 and was admitted to the bar in 1790. He initially lodged with Andrew Jackson, who was to become a close friend and political ally, and later built his own fine home, known as Traveller's Rest. Overton represented Sumner County as a delegate to the 1789 North Carolina convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution, and George Washington named him Supervisor of Revenue and later District Inspector of Revenue for the territory of Tennessee. Tennessee gained statehood, separating from North Carolina, in 1796. Between 1803 and 1806, Overton, as agent for Tennessee, was responsible for clarifying land rights in the new state between it and North Carolina. Under the terms of the compromise Overton would make, Tennessee ceded most of the western third of its territory to the United States, agreed to recognize land warrants that had been issued by North Carolina, and obtained clear title to the remaining land within its bounds.
In August 1804 Overton was elected to succeed Jackson as a member of the Superior Court of Tennessee, the forerunner of the Tennessee Supreme Court. He went on to become one of Tennessee's wealthiest men, helped Jackson win the U.S. Presidency, and co-founded the city of Memphis. (Source: The Tennessee Encyclopedia).
PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection.
Condition
Both documents with light toning; the lower third of the Appointment document is moderately toned, affecting Overton's signature. Overton's signature on the 13 page letter is slightly faded.
- Provenance
Private Southern collection.
- Shipping Info
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The UPS Store of Bearden 865-584-0081 (press 5), fax 865-584-0094 store2630@theupsstore.com
The UPS Store of Northshore Knoxville Contact – Eve 865-951-2499 store6461@theupsstore.com
John & Max Express LLC NOTE: large items & white glove delivery services only (driving range limitations may apply) Contact – Dina 865-230-1568 johnmaxexpress@gmail.com
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- Payment & Auction Policies
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Available payment options
Payment must be received no later than five (5) days after the sale.
If paying with a credit card, a 3% credit card processing fee will be applied to the final sales price (i.e. hammer price + buyer's premium + applicable taxes). If you have a credit card on file with Case, any winning bids will be automatically charged (up to $3000) along with applicable fees 72 hours after you receive your invoice unless other arrangements have been made.
If paying with wire transfer, please use the following information:
Bank: Pinnacle Bank
150 Third Avenue South, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone # (865) 766-3000
Swift Code: PNFPUS44
Routing, Transit, ABA: 064008637
Beneficiary: Case Antiques, Inc.
4310 Papermill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37909
Account #: NOT DISCLOSED (please refer to your invoice email for the Deposit Account Number or contact us )
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