Rare Autographs, Books and Manuscripts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
Manuscript vellum DS, signed “B. Franklin,” one page, 14.75 x 12.5, March 14, 1788. Franklin, as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, grants John Land “a certain tract of land called ‘The Rosefield’ situate on the waters of Buffaloe Creek in Washington County beginning at a white oak.” Signed in the left border by Franklin under the large embossed eight-point seal (five of the points missing). Nicely mounted, cloth-matted, and framed with a portrait and high-quality biographical plaque to an overall size of 26 x 32. Intersecting folds (a small hole at intersection of folds at far right), overall wrinkling, and paper loss to left edge affecting most of the first letter of his signature, otherwise very good condition. The Executive Council comprised the executive branch of the Pennsylvania state government between 1777 and 1790. It was headed by a president and vice president (similar to a governor and lieutenant governor), with Franklin, its sixth president, being the most well-known. His presidency was one of his last acts of public service, as he died less than two years after leaving office. At the time of this land grant, the Constitution had just been ratified, and the first US presidential election was only four months away.
Benjamin Franklin Signed Document
Click above for larger image.