Books and Manuscripts

Salisbury, September 24, 1778. Single sheet, 6 1/2 x 8 in. (165 x 203 mm). Partially-printed document, initialed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from North Carolina, William Hooper ("WHo"), endorsing a warrant for John Oliphant to pay a debt owed to Richard Farr; counter-signed by Henry Giffard as witness. Creasing from old folds, small separations and dampstaining along same; lightly toned. In mat and in frame, unexamined out of frame, 13 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (342 x 393 mm).

William Hooper (1742-1790) was a well-respected lawyer in North Carolina before, during, and after the Revolution. He served in the First and Second Continental Congresses, contributing to numerous committees, but was forced to resign in 1777 and resume his law practice due to growing financial concerns. Due to his name appearing on the Declaration, the British attempted to capture Hooper on multiple occasions. They burned his personal estates in Wilmington and Finian, North Carolina, but he was able to escape each time with the help of local friends.