Description:

Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA, December 7, 1787
Ben Franklin Signed as President of PA, Regarding the Famous Somers Family of Egg Harbor
ADS
An autograph endorsement signed by Benjamin Franklin as President of Pennsylvania, on a manuscript affidavit concerning unpaid debts. . 1p, measuring 7.5" x 11.75", [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania], dated December 7, 1787. Endorsed and signed at the lower left corner: "Affirmed before me this 7th of December 1787. B Franklin, Presidt." With a blind embossed seal stamped over Franklin's endorsement. The document has flattened folds, with separations and small holes at the folds and edges; all but one have been professionally repaired with archival materials. Light, uneven toning and staining throughout. Boldly signed, very good.

The document in part:
"Richard Sommers of the City of Philadelphia Merchant and Samuel Sommers of the township of Eggharbor in the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey Farmer Severally do solemnly affirm and say, and forth this deponent Richard Sommers says that Joshua Smith of the township County and State aforesaid Merchant dealer and Chapman, who is now within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is justly in debted unto him this deponent in the sum of one hundred and twenty one pounds five shillings and penny…And both the said deponents say, that they verily believe that the said Joshua Smith is become bankrupt…"

Richard Sommers (sp. Somers) is undoubtedly from the famous family in Egg Harbor and likely the father of or related to the famous Richard Somers, naval hero Born at Great Egg Harbor, New Jersey, he attended the Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia with future naval heroes Stephen Decatur and Charles Stewart. He was appointed midshipman on April 23, 1797, and served in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France on the frigate United States with Decatur and Stewart, a ship commanded by Captain John Barry. He was promoted to lieutenant on May 21, 1799.

In 1800, Somers fought three duels on the same day with multiple opponents because they accused him of cowardice for failing to challenge Decatur over a joking insult they overheard. Somers was wounded in the first two duels and had to be supported during the third (by Decatur, who was acting as his second).

Benjamin Franklin held the position of Pennsylvania's sixth president from 1785 to 1788, a role comparable to today's gubernatorial office. He was unanimously elected, replacing John Dickinson. However, Franklin suffered from obesity in his elder years, which caused numerous health issues, including gout. Towards the end of his life, following the signing to the U.S. Constitution in 1787, he was rarely seen in public.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 11.75"
  • Medium: ADS

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