Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania (1724–1777) Manuscript DS, signed “John Morton, Speaker,” nineteen pages, 8 x 12.75, November 20, 1775. Lengthy legal document regarding several “languishing” prisoners in jails in Philadelphia and Northumberland Counties, wishing to pay their respective debts, “yet by their imprisonment, they are disabled from putting in Execution their just intentions and are reduced to great distress.” Document goes on to release the men from prison so they may be able to work towards the repayment of their debt.
Signed on the last page by Morton as Speaker of the House, and also signed on the front page in black ink by Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Penn. In very good and fragile condition, with pages still bound by ribbon (with the exception of first page), tape and paper reinforcement to last page, scattered toning and soiling, and the relatively intact paper seal is present but detached. Morton’s signature is quite clear and relatively unaffected by the flaws.
This document supports accounts of the wretched conditions of poor people consigned to debtors’ prisons during this time period, as well as the unhappy irony of the fact that they were not able to work in order to better their situation. (Wealthier prisoners, on the other hand, enjoyed many comforts while incarcerated.)
A note about John Penn, the other noted signer of this document (but not the same John Penn that signed the Declaration): Penn was a grandson of colony founder William Penn. Although his official title was Lieutenant Governor, he was actually de facto governor. Carefully neutral, he hoped that the Crown would maintain control. He lost power when events went in favor of the Revolutionaries.
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