Bassett Richard

Richard Bassett, Constitution Signer, Delaware Defense Attorney

1p legal document signed by Richard Bassett (1745-1815), a Delaware Constitutional Convention delegate and document signer, as "Richd Bassett for Defendt" at bottom right. Bassett has inscribed his name "Richard Bassett his Attorney" in the text at bottom, and he has also marked his initials "RB" in the docket section verso. Written in Kent County, Delaware in preparation for the May 1773 judicial term. The partly printed and partly handwritten watermarked cream paper has light paper folds, of which the central horizontal one has been professionally repaired. Overall toning and expected minor wear including isolated closed tears or chipped edges, else very good to near fine. 12" x 7.625".

The legal document pertained to a local court case in which Richard Bassett was defending Kent County Delaware resident and yeoman John Hall. The defendant freely admitted to the court that he owed fellow yeoman Charles Ridgely the sum of £25:15 "Current money".

Richard Bassett was one of five Constitutional delegates from Delaware. The Revolutionary War veteran was involved in judicial, legislative, and executive functions on the state and national level. He served on state and federal courts, was a United States Senator from Delaware, and served as Governor of Delaware.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.