Manuscript DS, signed “B. Franklin Presd,” one page, 15.75 x 14.5, October 20, 1785. Franklin grants Joseph Swift the “Morris” tract in Greenwood, Pennsylvania, measuring just over 296 acres in size. Signed in the left border by Franklin as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, and countersigned by John Armstrong, Jr. Matted and framed to an overall size of 33.25 x 23. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, light toning along folds, a few spots to bottom blank portion, light show-through from seal on reverse, and some light creasing and wrinkling. The large eight-point embossed paper seal is toned, but crisp, with paper loss to six of the points. Franklin had only recently returned from France: he left Passy on July 12th and arrived in Philadelphia on September 14, 1785. He wasted no time returning to public affairs, serving as president of his state’s executive council until taking a seat in the Constitutional Convention in May of 1787. RRAuction COA.
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