Partly printed DS, signed “B. Franklin,” one page on vellum, 15 x 11.75, July 10, 1787. A grant for a parcel of land in Westmoreland County issued “in consideration of the services rendered by William Delaney, private (deceased), late in the army of the United States” and “granted … unto Frederick Botfield, Administrator of the Goods and Chattels, Rights, and Credits of the said William Delaney….” Less than two months earlier, on May 25, the Constitutional Convention convened at Philadelphia, and the 55 delegates, including Franklin, spent a heated summer hammering out the core issues and fine points of what would emerge as the Constitution of the United States. The proceedings were marked throughout by much disagreement and even divisiveness, which was largely alleviated by Franklin’s dramatic speech on September 17, the final day of the Convention. Franklin, too weak to address the assembly himself, entrusted his words to fellow Pennsylvanian James Wilson: “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered.... I doubt ... whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution.... Thus I consent ... to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best.” The embossed paper seal remains mostly intact at upper left. Matted and framed with an engraving and two descriptive plaques, to an overall size of 41 x 25.75. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, scattered light soiling, and slightly irregular adhesion to signature. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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