a legal document from 1755

Item Details

New York, 1755

very good

7 1/4 x 11 3/4" manuscript document on laid rag paper from Dutches County New York. Titled GEORGE etc King of Great Britain France and Ireland. William Green Cordwainder is commanded to pay 120 pounds in debt plus interest to Freeman Clarkson after failing to pay that in April 1755 and now commanded by the Chief Justice James Delancey. 

This writ of debt in Colonial New York involves some very important early American men. William Green was a cordwainder, a high end luxury boot and shoemaker. He owed a very large amount (120 pounds) to Freeman Clarkson a major NYC merchant and importer. The High Sheriff Clear Everitt was an important Sheriff and the Chief Justice of the state and Governor was James Delancy. Also named is M'Evers a prominent and wealthy attorney. The Supreme Court Clerk is George Clark Jr.. on the back it appears that the debt was settled in July 1755.

The paper is sound and not brittle though there are small holes where it had been folded. The Iron gall ink has eaten through the paper at the beginning of "George". The writing is legible.