December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
William Penn autograph letter signed, dated 13 July 1697, to Robert Turner, Samuel Carpenter and Samuel Richardson. Penn, who founded Pennsylvania in 1682 and served as its governor, tries to correct an injustice against the sons of his friend, James Claypoole, who had died. The letter reads in part, ''...the Bearer G. Claypoole complaining much of a hardship done him & Brors Jos. & Nat. about their father's lott. Violating their father's will, for a debt ye might have been otherwise satisfied, & takeing it away for little more than half ye value. I desire you to look into it & help ye orphans wt may be. For it is oppression when even justice is unjustly done...'' Penn signs, ''Wm Penn''. Claypoole was a witness to Penn's signature on the Pennsylvania charter and served on the Provincial Council. In 1697, Penn was in England, proposing his ''Plan of Union'' to unify the northern colonies, an early plan that influenced later movements toward independence. Markings in another hand appear on the single page letter, with address on the verso. Measures 6'' x 7.75'' on card-style stationery. Tape repair to separations at folds. Overall in very good condition. An early and scarce signature of William Penn.
Rare William Penn 1697 Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...it is oppression when even justice is unjustly done...''
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