Books and Manuscripts

September 6, 1788. Manuscript document, signed by Benjamin Franklin, as President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ordering Treasurer David Rittenhouse, to "Pay to The Honorable Peter Muhlenberg Esquire or order the sum of One hundred pounds in part of his Salary as Vice President of the State for which sum he is to account"; counter-signed at bottom by Comptroller General, John Nicholson; endorsed by Muhlenberg and cashier Andrew Summers, Jr. on verso, docketing to same. 6 1/2 x 8 in. (165 x 203 mm). Document professionally cleaned, some folds and small tears repaired with Japanese paper; creasing from contemporary folds; sheet toned and with mat burn along edges. In mat and in double-pane glass frame, 24 1/4 x 14 7/8 in. (616 x 378 mm). Includes an engraved portrait of Franklin in frame.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) served as the sixth president of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from October 1785 to November 1788. It was one of his last acts of public service before his death in 1790.

The Supreme Executive Council was established by the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776, and functioned as the state's executive branch from 1777-90. Under the terms of the Constitution, the presidency was elected by the legislature and had no veto power. The radical nature of the 1776 Constitution eventually led to its replacement in 1790, by Pennsylvania's more conservative factions, and the presidency and vice-presidency was replaced by the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, who were popularly elected and were given veto power over legislation.

Peter Muhlenberg (1746-1807) served as the eighth vice-president of the Council, from October 1787 until his resignation the following October.