Revolutionary patriot, chief justice and governor of New Hampshire, was the second signer of the Declaration of Independence. DS, one page both sides, 8 x 12.5, February 1, 1785. Kingstown, New Hampshire, as Justice of the Peace, regarding a case. Top half of the first page is a civil complaint, written entirely in Bartlett’s hand, and signed by Joseph Judkins as complaintant. It reads, in part: “State of New Hampshire…To Josiah Bartlett Dsqr. one of the Justices of the peace…Humbly complains Joseph Judkins of Kingstown…That on the 31st day of January 1785 at Kingstown…in the Dwelling House of Richard Sleeper…One Sherburne Sleeper…did with force and arms make an assault on the body of your Complainant, who was then and there in the peace of God and the State…the said Sherburne…beat wound & Evilly Intreat against the peace…” The bottom half of the first page is also in Bartlett’s and is signed by him. It reads, in part: “…To the Sheriff of the County of Rockingham…complt being made to me as above…in the name of the State…to authorise and require you…to apprehend the said Sherburne Sleeper and bring him before me to be examined concerning the matters laid to his charge and dealt with according to law…” On the reverse Bartlett again writes and signs, “February the 4th 1785…the within named Sherburne Sleeper appeared and acknowledged the within mentioned breach of the peace and paid a fine…” The entire document is penned by Bartlett and is actually signed three times, with one signature being in the text. In very good condition, with a few small holes, light soiling, a repaired bisecting horizontal fold and vertical folds, one through a letter of the signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
