FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Autograph note signed ("B Franklin Presidnt." with large flourish) as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 4 November 1786. 1 page, oblong (229 x 167 mm.) part of a larger sheet, eight-line legal text on verso, with a fine, bold signature. AN ORDER TO ISSUE A COMMISSION. A very attractive--if cryptic--order, penned in Franklin's most graceful, slightly florid hand as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, directing the issuance of a commission of an unspecified nature: "Let a Commission be issued directed to Edward Shippen, Matthew Clarkson, Matthew Mease, George Hughes & Peter Baynton Esqrs. or any four of them." Clarkson (1758-1825), was a distinguished soldier who had served as aide to Benedict Arnold and fought with distinction at Saratoga, and later served as assistant to Secretary of War Benjamin Lincoln; he was a member of the New York Assembly in 1789-90, where he introduced a bill for the gradual abolition of slavery. Edward Shippen (1728-1806), an eminent jurist, was the father of Peggy, wife of the traitor Benedict Arnold; despite his neutrality during the war, he held a variety of legislative and judicial positions in Pennsylvania, including the office of Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.
FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Autograph note signed ("B Franklin Presidnt." with large flourish) as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 4 November 1786. 1 page, oblong (229 x 167 mm.) part of a larger sheet, eight-line legal text on verso, with a fine, bold signature. AN ORDER TO ISSUE A COMMISSION. A very attractive--if cryptic--order, penned in Franklin's most graceful, slightly florid hand as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, directing the issuance of a commission of an unspecified nature: "Let a Commission be issued directed to Edward Shippen, Matthew Clarkson, Matthew Mease, George Hughes & Peter Baynton Esqrs. or any four of them." Clarkson (1758-1825), was a distinguished soldier who had served as aide to Benedict Arnold and fought with distinction at Saratoga, and later served as assistant to Secretary of War Benjamin Lincoln; he was a member of the New York Assembly in 1789-90, where he introduced a bill for the gradual abolition of slavery. Edward Shippen (1728-1806), an eminent jurist, was the father of Peggy, wife of the traitor Benedict Arnold; despite his neutrality during the war, he held a variety of legislative and judicial positions in Pennsylvania, including the office of Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert