Exceptional partly-printed DS, signed “B. Franklin, Presid't,” one page, 8 x 6.25, May 10, 1786. Pay order issued to Treasurer David Rittenhouse, in part: "Pay to David Stout, late a dragoon of the Pennsylvania Line, or his order, the sum of six pounds two shillings and six pence being two year's interest on his depreciation certificate." Beautifully signed at the conclusion by Franklin as president of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Countersigned in the left margin by Comptroller General John Nicholson. In fine condition, with somewhat irregular toning, and a small old repair on the reverse. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
The Pennsylvania militia had been asked to accept deferred pay for their service during the American Revolution, and reimbursements were later made using this type of document. A spectacular example boasting a large, bold signature of America's most versatile founder.
