NEW YORK CITY — A newly-discovered manuscript of the Declaration of Independence, written in the hand of Samuel Jones of New York, was the top lot in Christie’s January 24 Important Americana auction. This is the first time a manuscript version of the Declaration written in the hand of an important participant in the nation’s founding has ever appeared at auction, and the only one known to be held privately. Jones likely penned this manuscript in 1788 for use in the New York Ratification Convention; it may have been intended to play a similar role that has been suggested for the recently discovered Sussex Declaration. Estimated at $2/3 million, it attracted steady bidding, ultimately selling for $2,470,000, including premium, to an unidentified bidder on the phone with Peter Klarnet, senior specialist of Americana books and manuscripts. A future issue will feature more highlights from this sale.