Robert MORRIS (1734-1806) Partly-printed Document Signed “Robert Morris” as President of the North American Land Company, 1 page, 240 x 300 mm . (9 1/2 x 11 3/4 in.), Philadelphia, 18 April 1795, countersigned by James MARSHALL as company secretary, numbered 997. A certificate for five shares in the land company issued to William Temple Franklin (1760-1823), Benjamin Franklin’s grandson.

William Temple Franklin was the illegitimate son of William Franklin (1730-1814), Benjamin’s son and the last Royal Governor of New Jersey. In 1776, William Temple accompanied his grandfather to France where the latter was serving as the chief American envoy to the Court of Louis XVI. William Temple returned to America in 1786. Unable to secure a diplomatic post, he dove into land speculation at his grandfather’s suggestion.

Some loss from ink burn to signature, some chips, losses and minor tears at margins, else very good condition overall.

(EXA 5643) $1,200