Books and Manuscripts

(Virginia), November 15, 1783. Single sheet, 4 x 5 3/4 in. (101 x 146 mm) (sight). Partially-printed document, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia, Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791), as Governor of Virginia, certifying "That Lemuel Murphy entitled to the proportion of land allowed a Private of the Continental line, who has served three years"; counter-signed by Thomas Meriwether. Light foxing at center; residue from old mount in verso of corners. In mat and in frame, unexamined out of frame, 10 3/4 x 13 in. (272 x 330 mm).

Interestingly, the printed clause "who enlisted for the war..." is partially crossed out on this document, likely due to the Treaty of Paris (1783) being signed two months prior, officially ending the American Revolution. Two of Benjamin Harrison's descendants would go on to be United States Presidents, William Henry Harrison who was the 10th, and his own namesake, Benjamin Harrison, who was the 23rd.