“Rebels with a Vision”
MGM Grand
Conference Center
76 Founding-Era Primary
Sources on Public Display
Las Vegas, Nevada | February-March 2000
“Rebels with a Vision” brings together seventy-six original
documents spanning the American Revolutionary period and the early Republic. On
public display February 28 through March 2 at the MGM Grand Conference Center
(Rooms 204–205, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), this exhibition presents not
reproductions or later commemoratives, but the working paper trail of the men
and women who built-and contested-the United States.
Curated and managed by Stanley L. Klos, the collection is
built around authenticated manuscripts, signed letters, government printings,
and rare imprints that trace the evolution of American independence from 1750
through the War of 1812. Visitors encounter the Founding generation not as marble
statues, but as officeholders, soldiers, land speculators, legislators,
governors, and debtors-signing pay orders, certifying elections, funding
armies, issuing warrants, and struggling to hold a fragile republic together.
Cornerstone Documents of American Independence
At the center of the exhibition stands a William J. Stone
1823 parchment engraving of the Declaration of Independence-the official
facsimile commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to preserve the
rapidly fading original manuscript. Stone’s wet-ink transfer process made this
the most exact early reproduction of the Declaration ever produced. Only a
limited number survive today, and institutions aggressively compete when
examples surface.
Displayed alongside it is a previously unrecorded September
1787 Philadelphia printing of the United States Constitution-a four-page
handbill issued by printer Robert Smith immediately after the Constitutional
Convention concluded. Titled “Plan of the New Federal Government,” this
broadside represents one of the earliest public disseminations of the
Constitution’s text for ratification. Comparable printings appeared in New
York, Boston, and Richmond as news traveled; Smith’s version is of exceptional
rarity.
Also featured are:
·
A John Adams document certifying Connecticut’s
electoral votes in the Washington–Adams second presidential election (1791),
illustrating the mechanics of the young Electoral College.
·
A Thomas Jefferson letter as Secretary of State
transmitting foundational federal statutes, including the first census and
naturalization law.
·
Two George Washington letters-one as
Commander-in-Chief addressing French deserters in 1782, and another from Mount
Vernon in 1798 revealing his financial concerns and land management decisions.
·
The first printed State of the Union Address
(1790), marking the birth of a constitutional tradition.
The exhibit includes original documents signed by numerous
signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These are not
ceremonial autographs, but functional instruments of governance and daily
administration.
Among them:
·
John Hancock free-franked military
correspondence during the Revolutionary command period.
·
Benjamin Franklin’s colonial currency printing
bearing the warning “To Counterfeit is Death.”
·
Robert Morris writing from debtor’s prison after
financing the Revolution.
·
Lewis Morris executing a slave bill of sale in
1792-confronting the contradiction between liberty and slavery.
·
Thomas McKean and John Penn appearing together
on a Pittsburgh property deed-a rare “Signer and Tory” pairing.
·
James Wilson, future Supreme Court Justice,
signing a 1774 legal summons just before independence.
·
Charles Thomson, the long-serving Secretary of
Congress and designer of the Great Seal, signing official resolutions.
These documents demonstrate that independence was not merely
declared-it had to be administered.
The military dimension of the Revolution is documented
through signed correspondence of:
·
Benedict Arnold (before treason), warning of
imminent attack in Canada (1776).
·
Nathanael Greene, reorganizing Continental
supply lines during British advances.
·
Henry Knox directing rifle shipments westward in
1792.
·
Anthony Wayne organizing frontier defense in the
Northwest Territory.
·
Joseph Warren signing a 1775 Provincial Congress
resolution days before his death at Breed’s Hill.
·
Marquis de Lafayette writing from France after
the war, reflecting continued transatlantic ties.
These papers show command decisions in real time-supply
orders, troop movements, intelligence warnings-the operational layer beneath
patriotic rhetoric.
The Frontier and the Westward Question
The exhibit does not ignore the contested expansion of the
new nation. Included are:
·
A 1776 Fort Pitt treaty payment authorization
involving western Native nations.
·
Three vellum Indian land deeds (1784–1789)
transferring vast tracts of western Pennsylvania.
·
A full August 2, 1787, printing of the Northwest
Ordinance, prohibiting slavery/indentured servitude in the Northwest Territory and establishing the
framework for creating new states.
·
A 1780 frontier petition from Pennsylvania
residents pleading for protection from Native attacks.
These materials reveal that independence immediately opened
the question of western land, Native sovereignty, and slavery’s geographic
limits.
Royal and Loyalist Perspectives
The Revolution was not one-sided. The collection includes:
·
An autograph letter of King George III (1786).
·
A war-date letter of Queen Charlotte (1779).
·
A signed document of Joseph Galloway, prominent
Pennsylvania Loyalist.
·
John Penn, last colonial governor of
Pennsylvania, on a post-Revolution deed.
These artifacts place American independence within the
broader imperial rupture.
The fragile constitutional order is further documented
through:
·
James Madison correspondence during the Embargo
controversy.
·
Edmund Randolph signing an Act of Congress.
·
Oliver Ellsworth, credited with naming “The
United States,” signing a June 6, 1776 pay order.
·
Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State
addressing early naval construction.
·
Oliver Wolcott Jr., future Treasury Secretary,
signing federal financial authorizations.
The paperwork of the early republic reflects a government
improvising its authority while managing debt, diplomacy, trade, and
territorial conflict.
A National Educational Partnership
RE/MAX International sponsors this exhibition in conjunction
with its international convention in Las Vegas. Historic.us, the Klos family’s
educational initiative, places authenticated primary-source documents into
public display partnerships nationwide.
Recent venues include the Carnegie Institute and Library of
Pittsburgh and the International Philatelic Museum. Historic.us has also
partnered with the NASA-supported Center for Educational Technologies (CET) on
the development of PaleoQuest, a digital paleontology platform designed for
educators and researchers.
Why This Exhibit Matters
“Rebels with a Cause” is not a symbolic tribute. It is a
documentary archive presented in public view. The Founding era was written in
ink before it was written in marble. These seventy-six primary sources allow
visitors to confront that record directly-the signatures, the handwriting, the
financial strain, the legal language, the contradictions, and the
administrative machinery that transformed rebellion into a republic.
DECLARATION SIGNERS
Hancock, John – Address leaf free franked to Generals Ward
and Thomas during Revolutionary command period (c. 1775–1776).
Hancock, John – Autograph letter signed to Ebenezer Hancock
offering brotherly advice (December 22, 1756).
Thomson, Charles – Congressional broadside signed
authorizing frontier troop defense (October 3, 1787).
Thomson, Charles – Letter signed transmitting state of
representation in Congress (October 2, 1786).
Adams, John – Autograph letter signed as Vice President
acknowledging receipt of Connecticut electoral votes (December 14, 1791).
Carroll, Charles of Carrollton – Autograph letter signed
regarding tenant farmers and debt matters (April 29, 1822).
Clymer, George – Partly printed revenue document signed as
Supervisor of Revenue, District of Pennsylvania (c. 1791–1794).
Ellery, William – Autograph document signed requesting list
of petitioners under Act of Congress (January 2, 1813 reference; no exact date
given).
Jefferson, Thomas – Letter signed as Secretary of State
transmitting census and naturalization laws to Governor George Clinton (c.
1790).
Jefferson, Thomas – Autograph letter signed to Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer regarding French land claim (July 10, 1791).
Franklin, Benjamin – Pennsylvania colonial currency note
printed by Franklin and David Hall (c. 1760s).
Franklin, Benjamin – Donaldson’s Crossroads land grant
signed (May 23, 1787).
Hart, John – New Jersey Revolutionary currency note signed
(c. 1776).
McKean, Thomas – Manuscript petition signed for appointment
of city constable, Philadelphia (March 19, 1790).
McKean, Thomas – Pittsburgh property deed signed alongside
John Penn, Jr. (August 17, 1786).
Morris, Lewis – Slave bill of sale for “Sarah” signed and
witnessed by Sally Morris (February 4, 1792).
Morris, Robert – Autograph letter signed from debtor’s
prison to John Nicholson (March 9, 1798).
Morris, Robert – Promissory note signed used as court
exhibit (December 12, 1794).
Morton, John – Court document requiring William Archer to
appear before General Court (February 12, 1774).
Paca, William – Maryland deed signed as Governor adding
acreage to Joseph White (August 9, 1784).
Paine, Robert Treat – Partly printed legal judgment against
Estate of Elizabeth Robinson (April 12, 1767).
Ross, George – Autograph legal document signed as attorney
in Cumberland County (January Term, 1750).
Rush, Benjamin – University of Pennsylvania medical diploma
signed in Latin (1810).
Wilson, James – Partially printed Cumberland County summons
signed (July 23, 1774).
Williams, William – Partly printed summons issued in
Lebanon, Connecticut (December 31, 1799).
Wolcott, Oliver – Free franked address leaf signed “Franked,
O. Wolcott” (no date).
Wolcott, Oliver – Connecticut pay order signed “Oliv
Wolcott” (no date).
REVOLUTIONARY WAR GENERALS
Arnold, Benedict – Autograph letter signed warning of attack
at The Cedars (April 24, 1776).
Clinton, George – Council of Revision letter approving New
York legislation (April 5, 1803).
Greene, Nathanael – Autograph letter signed ordering removal
of stores from Morristown (after June 11, 1780).
Huntington, Jedediah – Repayment authorization document
cross-signed with Oliver Wolcott (no date).
Knox, Henry – Letter signed as Secretary of War directing
shipment of rifles to Pittsburgh (February 25, 1792).
Lafayette, Marquis de – Autograph letter signed “LF” from
Lagrange regarding military exemption (May 30, no year given).
Lincoln, Benjamin – Import certificate for green tea signed
(July 6, 1806).
Mifflin, Thomas – Pennsylvania Assembly pay order signed as
Speaker (no date).
St. Clair, Arthur – Autograph letter signed discussing iron
furnace matters (October 1, 1808).
St. Clair, Arthur – Printed Act of Congress compensating St.
Clair signed by Edmund Randolph (May 30, 1794).
Steuben, Friedrich von – Check signed with manuscript
cancellation (April 16, 1791).
Warren, Joseph – Resolution broadside signed as President
Pro Tempore of Provincial Congress (April 23, 1775).
Washington, George – Letter signed as Commander-in-Chief
regarding French deserters (September 16, 1782).
Washington, George – Autograph letter signed to nephew
Robert Lewis regarding walnut grove (February 12, 1798).
Washington, George – First State of the Union Address,
Massachusetts Centinel printing (January 16, 1790).
Wayne, Anthony – Letter signed from Legionville assigning
scouts in Northwest Territory (April 29, 1793).
OTHER REVOLUTIONARY NOTABLES
Bayard, John – Pennsylvania Assembly payment order signed as
Speaker (December 24, 1784).
Bradford, William – Grand Inquest document signed as
Attorney General (July Sessions 1783).
Douglass, Ephraim – Fayette County summons signed as clerk
of courts (no date).
Peabody, Nathaniel – Autograph promissory note signed (July
21, 1795).
Steele, John – Customs cargo taxation document signed as
Collector (July 16, 1819).
Trumbull, Jonathan – Cavalry appointment signed as Governor
(May 19, 1802).
SIGNERS OF THE CONSTITUTION
Brearley, David – New Jersey currency note signed (June 9,
1780).
Dayton, Jonathan – Autograph letter signed regarding sale of
boat (no date).
Ingersoll, Jared – Grand Inquest document signed as Attorney
General (August Sessions, 1795).
Ingersoll, Jared – Philadelphia Council petition signed
(March 19, 1790).
Langdon, John – Clipped signature (no date).
Madison, James – Letter signed as Secretary of State
transmitting laws of 8th Congress (no date).
Madison, James – Autograph diplomatic letter signed
discussing Embargo Act controversy (December 5, 1808).
Randolph, Edmund Jennings – Printed Act of Congress signed
as Secretary of State (May 30, 1794).
OTHER INDEPENDENCE ERA FIGURES
Boerum, Simon – Brooklyn land sale document signed with Mary
Boerum (April 24, 1769).
Burr, Aaron – Printed document signed (no date).
Cooke, Josiah P. – Certification document signed (November
23, 1775).
Ellicott, Andrew – Autograph letter signed regarding Indian
disturbances near Presque Isle (June 5, 1794).
Ellsworth, Oliver – Pay order for saltpetre signed on verso
(June 6, 1776).
Galloway, Joseph – Assembly message signed as Speaker
regarding Indian treaty (no date).
George III, King – Autograph letter signed “George R.”
discussing medal design and royal family matters (September 2, 1786).
Charlotte, Queen – War-date autograph letter signed in
French to her brother (February 19, 1779).
Hamilton, Alexander – Free frank envelope signed (no date).
Huntington, Benjamin – Autograph affidavit signed (October
27, 1768).
Jay, John – Military commendation signed (September 3,
1798).
Madison, Dolley – Free franked address leaf signed “Free
D.P. Madison” (June 8, no year given).
Penn, John – Pittsburgh property deed signed with Thomas
McKean (August 17, 1786).
Pettit, Charles – Partly printed Pennsylvania document
signed (no date).
Jackson, David – Partly printed Pennsylvania document signed
(no date).
Pickering, Timothy – Autograph letter signed regarding
Seneca mission (September 4, 1790).
Pickering, Timothy – Autograph letter signed as Secretary of
State regarding frigate construction (July 8, 1796).
Reed, Joseph – Pay order signed as President of Pennsylvania
Supreme Council (no date).
Revere, Paul – Massachusetts colonial currency note printed
by Paul Revere (c. 1770s).
Tucker, Thomas T. – Treasury free frank signed (March 31, no
year given).
Washington, Martha – Very rare signature, from a letter,
with additional words “this place have” written in her hand on the verso (no
date).
Wolcott, Oliver Jr. – Document signed as Comptroller
authorizing repayment (no date).
FOUNDERS DOCUMENTS
Fort Pitt Commissioners – Treaty commissary payment
authorization signed at Pittsburgh (November 9, 1776).
Pennsylvania Packet – Newspaper reporting Cornwallis
entrenched at Yorktown (August 28, 1781).
Connecticut Courant – Full printing of the Northwest
Ordinance (July 30, 1787).
Original 13 Colony Note Set – Complete colonial currency set
including Hart, Revere, and Franklin examples (c. 1770s).
Revolutionary War Oath of Allegiance – Printed Lancaster
oath form (June 13, 1777 reference; no exact date filled).
Northumberland County Petitioners – Frontier petition
seeking protection from Indian attacks (June 20, 1780).
Three Western Pennsylvania Indian Deeds – Certified vellum
copies of land cessions signed by Native leaders and Thomas McKean (October 23,
1784; January 21, 1785; 1789).
Brotherhead, W. – Leather-bound Centennial Book of the
Signers with engraved portraits (1876).
RE/MAX Sponsors “Rebels with a Vision” Exhibit
MGM Grand Conference Center | 76 Historic Founding Documents on Display
“Rebels with a Vision,” a curated collection of rare original
documents from the founding era of the United States, will be open to the
public Monday, February 28 through Thursday, March 2, at the MGM Grand
Conference Center in Las Vegas. The exhibit is free and will be displayed in
Rooms 204–205 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
The collection, managed by Stanley Klos of Pennsylvania,
features 76 original historical documents, including a William J. Stone 1823
engraved facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, a previously unrecorded
1787 Philadelphia printing of the United States Constitution, a Thomas
Jefferson letter transmitting three foundational acts of Congress, two letters
signed by George Washington, and a John Adams document certifying Connecticut’s
electoral votes in the Washington–Adams second term election.
The Declaration on display is the official parchment
engraving commissioned by Congress in 1823 and executed by engraver William J.
Stone to preserve the rapidly deteriorating original. Only a limited number of
these Stone engravings survive today. The Constitution printing, a four-page
handbill issued by Philadelphia printer Robert Smith immediately following
September 17, 1787, represents an exceedingly rare early dissemination of the
“Plan of the New Federal Government.” Comparable constitutional handbills were
later produced in New York, Boston, and Richmond as the text circulated. A
separate Philadelphia printing of the Declaration is currently listed at
Sotheby’s with an estimate between $6 and $8 million.
RE/MAX International is sponsoring the exhibit in
conjunction with its international convention in Las Vegas. The Klos family’s
company, Historic.us, specializes in placing rare primary-source historical
documents in educational venues through partnerships with corporate benefactors
and institutions nationwide.
Within the past seven months, RE/MAX has sponsored the
exhibit at the Pittsburgh Carnegie Institute and Library, the International
Philatelic Museum, and now the MGM Grand Hotel. Historic.us has also partnered
with the NASA-supported Center for Educational Technologies (CET) on the
development of PaleoQuest, a web-based paleontology resource designed for
educators, students, scientists, and enthusiasts.
For additional information, contact:
Stan Klos, Historic.us Corporation – (717) 771 – 1776 Stan@stanklos.com
Jack Farrar, RE/MAX International – (303) 796-3522
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