![FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Manuscript document signed as Speaker of the Assembly (B.Franklin, Speaker”), An Act entitled An Act for regulating the Officers and Soldiers in the Pay of this Province, and for continuing an Act entitled, An Act for regulating the Hire of Carriages to be employed in His Majesty's Service. Extensive text in a clerical hand, written on rectos only. COUNTERSIGNED BY GOVERNOR JOHN PENN (“John Penn”), by the Governor's Secretary Joseph Shippen & endorsed by the Clerk of the Assembly Charles Moore. [Philadelphia], 30 May 1764.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_11610_0028_000(franklin_benjamin_manuscript_document_signed_as_speaker_of_the_assembl101734).jpg?w=1)
Details
FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Manuscript document signed as Speaker of the Assembly (B.Franklin, Speaker”), An Act entitled An Act for regulating the Officers and Soldiers in the Pay of this Province, and for continuing an Act entitled, An Act for regulating the Hire of Carriages to be employed in His Majesty's Service. Extensive text in a clerical hand, written on rectos only. COUNTERSIGNED BY GOVERNOR JOHN PENN (“John Penn”), by the Governor's Secretary Joseph Shippen & endorsed by the Clerk of the Assembly Charles Moore. [Philadelphia], 30 May 1764.
THE CONTINUING CRISIS OVER THE CONESTOGA MASSACRE AND THE THREAT OF THE PAXTON BOYS. In the wake of the continuing ramifications from killing of 20 peaceable Conestoga Indians, Pennsylvania takes drastic measures to suppress the Paxton Boys, and other manifestations of lawlessness: “Whereas many barbarous hostilities have lately been previously committed by the Indians on the Western and Northern Frontiers of this Province, it is judged necessary that a body of Forces should be taken into the pay of this Province, to be employed in his Majesty's service and in protecting the Frontier inhabitants of said Province...” Rules for the conduct of the militia are specified, under the authority of the Proprietors Richard and John Penn, and the Assembly. Penalties for various offenses are spelled out, including death. Among the violations cited are sleeping on duty, inciting mutiny and dealing directly with Indians without a license. The Conestoga Massacre projected the Paxton boys into one of the bitterest political campaigns in the history of Pennsylvania. They threatened to march on Philadelphia but were eventually dissuaded by Franklin.
16 pp, 12.7/5 x 8 inches. Even browning, separating at folds, marginal defects neatly mended, but costing a few letters. Pendant wax seal detached but largely intact. Custom fitted cloth slipcase. Provenance: Laird U. Park, Jr.. (sale, Sotheby's New York, 29 November, 2000, lot 120).
THE CONTINUING CRISIS OVER THE CONESTOGA MASSACRE AND THE THREAT OF THE PAXTON BOYS. In the wake of the continuing ramifications from killing of 20 peaceable Conestoga Indians, Pennsylvania takes drastic measures to suppress the Paxton Boys, and other manifestations of lawlessness: “Whereas many barbarous hostilities have lately been previously committed by the Indians on the Western and Northern Frontiers of this Province, it is judged necessary that a body of Forces should be taken into the pay of this Province, to be employed in his Majesty's service and in protecting the Frontier inhabitants of said Province...” Rules for the conduct of the militia are specified, under the authority of the Proprietors Richard and John Penn, and the Assembly. Penalties for various offenses are spelled out, including death. Among the violations cited are sleeping on duty, inciting mutiny and dealing directly with Indians without a license. The Conestoga Massacre projected the Paxton boys into one of the bitterest political campaigns in the history of Pennsylvania. They threatened to march on Philadelphia but were eventually dissuaded by Franklin.
16 pp, 12.7/5 x 8 inches. Even browning, separating at folds, marginal defects neatly mended, but costing a few letters. Pendant wax seal detached but largely intact. Custom fitted cloth slipcase. Provenance: Laird U. Park, Jr.. (sale, Sotheby's New York, 29 November, 2000, lot 120).