Unique vellum manuscript DS, signed twice, "Fra's Hopkinson" and "Cha. Thomson," one page, 16.75 x 14.25, January 1, 1763. Deed of indenture from Elizabeth Henmarsh to Benjamin Franklin for "a certain Lott or piece of Land lying in the said City of Philadelphia…Bounded Eastward on the Sixth Street." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Elizabeth Henmarsh, and countersigned by Francis Hopkinson and Charles Thomson as witnesses; also endorsed on the reverse by the three. In very good to fine condition, with areas of staining, and areas of vellum loss to the bottom. This land transaction is cited in Hannah Benner Roach's article 'Benjamin Franklin Slept Here,' published in The Philadelphia Magazine in 1960.
Hopkinson (1737-1791) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey who is also known as the designer of the first official American flag; at this time, he was in private practice as an attorney in Philadelphia. Thomson (1729-1824) was a patriot leader in Philadelphia during the American Revolution and the secretary of the Continental Congress throughout its existence; Thomson was the only person to sign the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration alongside John Hancock. Though not signed by Franklin himself, this is a significant document marking the association of three important leaders of the Revolution, long before the outbreak of war.
