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Lot 1131
Draft of William Penn's 1701 Charter for the City of Philadelphia. A unique scribe's copy of what was to become the 1701 City of Philadelphia Charter, given to the city by William Penn. Dated "the twenty fifth day of Eighth Ano Domini thirteenth year of the reign of King William over England and the 21 of my government" and signed "William Penn" in the hand of the scribe. The document is folded and measures 7½ x 12 in., with writing on both sides; it unfolds upward to show double-sided writing. Likely written by James Logan, Penn's personal friend and secretary for almost 50 years. In scalloped, calligraphic form, in dark brown ink, missing large sections of the central passages, with multiple edge tears, file folds, overall toning, and scattering spotting; however, the text does form a complete beginning and end. Each page has been photographed separately (the pages are attached) so that the entire draft can be viewed.
When this draft is compared with the actual city charter (which measures 3 x 4 feet), a few slight word changes are found in the text, which should be of interest to the scholar. A facsimile of a photograph of the 1701 City Charter, taken in 1895, accompanies this lot. It contrasts with the condition of the actual charter today, which was donated to the city in the 1950s in deplorable condition, barely legible and in pieces (in a shoebox!), and in no way resembling the 1895 photograph.
Penn arrived in Philadelphia for his second and final visit in December 1699. He would leave in November 1701, being forced to return to England to refute a move by the Crown to seize Penn's land in America. Before leaving, Penn decided to grant a full charter to the inhabitants of Philadelphia for self rule: the charter of October 25, 1701. In Memorial History of the City of Philadelphia (1895, Vol I.), John Russell Young notes: "The essential act by which Philadelphia took on an independent rank and dignity was performed in the last days of the Governor's stay. He signed the Charter for the City on the 25th of October, appointing Edward Shippen, Mayor, Thomas Story, Recorder, Thomas Farmer Sherriff, and Robert Ashten Town Clerk and Chief of the Courts." There wasn't another city charter until 1775. This rare and unique draft document is part of Philadelphia's founding history.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $20,125 |
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