Hooper (North Carolina, 1742-1790), a signer of the Declaration of Independence, representative of North Carolina as a delegate to the Continental Congress, a seven-page handwritten letter to "Finian," dated February 10, 1774, to his uncle, James Murray, in Boston, the letter includes much on the handling of his uncle's affairs in North Carolina with suggestions for the economical management of his slaves and a powerful page showing his increasing opposition to British rule: "I am not a licentious demagogue, & no man more respects the powers of Government constitutionally exercised than I do, but God forbid that I should ever wish for Laws upon the Ungenerous footing upon which they are now," some foxing and overall toning otherwise near fine, together with an original sketch of William Hooper's residence, 4 x 3 in., matted, 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 in., near fine, both housed in a custom chemise and slipcase, marbled boards backed in elaborately gilt decorated leather spine, as new; with receipt from Joe Rubinfine