Details:

Thomas Smith autographed printed and manuscript court writ issued in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1764, during the reign of King George III. Accomplished on a pre-Revolutionary legal form headed, “George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great-Britain, France, and Ireland King,” the document orders the Sheriff of Bedford County to take Jacob Kemberlin into custody to answer a civil plea involving a debt of forty pounds, “lawful money of Pennsylvania.” Signed at lower right by Thomas Smith in his capacity as Prothonotary. Measuring approximately 13 x 4”.

Dating to a dozen years before the Declaration of Independence, the document reflects the operation of Pennsylvania’s colonial legal system under British rule.

Condition: Overall very good condition with expected horizontal and vertical fold lines, scattered age toning, light edge wear, and period docketing to the verso. An archival repair has been professionally made along one fold line on the verso. The signature remains dark and well preserved.

Thomas Smith (1720-1793) was a prominent Pennsylvania attorney and jurist who served as Provost of the College of Philadelphia, later the University of Pennsylvania, before becoming one of the colony’s leading legal figures. During the American Revolution he represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1779. Smith later served as a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court from 1786 until his death in 1793, helping shape the judiciary of the new Commonwealth during its formative years.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11695 1417056-1