Details:

William Lewis autographed handwritten legal document (ADS), dated April 29, 1810, concerning a case before the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Written and autographed by Lewis as attorney, the document relates to a legal action involving William Wheeler and references proceedings before the court, including a petition and several named individuals. Lewis signs prominently "William Lewis" at the conclusion. Additional contemporary docketing appears on the verso.

The document measures approximately 8.25 x 6.5". Fine condition with expected age toning, original folds, scattered staining, minor edge wear, and handling wear. Archival tape reinforcements are present on the verso.

William Lewis (1752-1819) was a prominent Pennsylvania attorney, early abolitionist, legislator, federal judge, and U.S. Attorney. Admitted to the bar in 1773, he became one of the most respected American defense attorneys of his era and was particularly noted for representing individuals accused of treason. Lewis was an important figure in Pennsylvania's early antislavery movement and played a significant role in drafting and securing passage of Pennsylvania's landmark 1780 Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, one of the earliest legislative measures for the abolition of slavery in the United States. He was elected to the Pennsylvania legislature in 1787 and the state Constitutional Convention in 1789. That same year, he was appointed United States Attorney for the District of Pennsylvania, and in 1791 he was appointed a federal judge for the District of Pennsylvania. A prominent Quaker, Lewis also served as a trustee of the institutions that became the University of Pennsylvania from 1789 until his death in 1819.

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

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Reference sku: 11695 1419176-1