Details:

William Bradford autographed manuscript legal document signed (DS), dated January Sessions 1783, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. A handwritten indictment concerning a charge of bigamy during the Revolutionary War.

The document records the proceedings of the Grand Inquest of Bedford County against Philip Fisher, a resident of Colerain Township, who was accused of unlawfully marrying Catharine Emmatt while her previous husband, Christopher Emmatt, was still living.

The indictment charges Fisher with taking Catharine as his wife despite her existing marriage, in violation of Pennsylvania law. Signed at the conclusion "William Bradford Atty. Gl." in Bradford's capacity as Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Additional contemporary legal docketing appears on the reverse.

An interesting Revolutionary War-era Pennsylvania legal document bearing the signature of a prominent early American statesman who would later serve as Attorney General of the United States under George Washington.

Measures approximately 8.25 x 13 inches. Very good condition with original folds, scattered age toning, minor edge wear, and small separations at fold intersections.

William Bradford (1755–1795) was an American lawyer, Revolutionary War veteran, and statesman. He served in the Continental Army before becoming Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 1780 and a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1791. President George Washington appointed him the second Attorney General of the United States in 1794, a position he held until his death the following year.

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

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Reference sku: 11695 1419477-1