RARE, EXTRAORDINARY DOCUMENT SIGNED BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Manuscript document signed. Philadelphia: October 13, 1787. Single sheet of vellum, 16 by 13-1/2 inches, writing on recto, with fragile paper seals; window framed with portrait; entire piece measures 33 by 23 inches.
Exceptional original manuscript document in a secretarial hand, a deed conveying a "Tract of Land called 'Tinsley's Fortune'" to William Tinsley, boldly signed by Benjamin Franklin as President of Pennsylvania, and with the fragile paper seals of Pennsylvania present and intact. This rare official document is dated less than a month after the Constitutional Convention, at which Franklin played a key role: "His closing speech supporting the Constitution was the most effective propaganda for its ratification. Franklin's presence and argument contributed more than any other element to harmonize the delegates and to persuade 39 of the 42 members present to sign the formal document" (ANB).
This rare official document, dated October 13, 1787, is boldly signed by Benjamin Franklin as President of Pennsylvania below the state's embossed seal. Franklin was not only the state's president, but also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, convened in Philadelphia on May 25 of this year. Franklin is the only Founding Father to be signatory to all four key documents in America's founding: the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, Treaty of Alliance with France and the U.S. Constitution. Franklin served as President of Pennsylvania from October 1785 to October 1788. It is in that capacity that he signed this document. The official signature of James Trimble, Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania, also appears on this document affirming a land sale, stating in part: "In Witness whereof His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire President of the Supreme Executive Council hath hereto set his hand."
The document, entirely in manuscript in a fine and legible secretarial hand, reads, in part: "The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To all to whom these Presents shall Come Greeting. Know ye that in consideration of the monies paid by William Tinsley into the Receiver General's Office of this Commonwealth at the granting of the warrant herein after mentioned… there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto the said William Tinsley a certain tract of land called 'Tinsley's Fortune' situated on one of the branches of Youghiogheni River in Franklin Township Fayette County… In Witness of whereof His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq., President of the Supreme Executive Council hath hereto set his hand and caused the State Seal to be hereto affixed in Council the thirteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven and of the Commonwealth the Twelfth. Attest James Trimble for John Armstrong jun. Sec'ry. [signed in the left margin, with flourish] Benjamin Franklin." This document is also signed by James Trimble, Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania from 1777 until his death in 1836. The original fragile, ornate, eight-pointed star paper seal is present, faintly embossed with the seal of Pennsylvania.
Typical faint fold lines, one just beneath but not touching Franklin's signature and flourishes. Fine condition, a scarce document boldly signed by Franklin, beautifully framed.