Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47049

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47049

William Penn Document Signed. One partially printed page on vellum, 9 1/2 x 9 inches; September 11, 1695. Penn grants John Peirson of Suffolk "seven hundred and fifty acres of land, clear of Indian Incumbrances in the said Province between the Rivers of Sasquehanah and Delaware." Signed, "Wm Penn" as "Proprietary of the Province of Pensilvania." With intact red wax seal at the lower right and blue embossed "VI Pence" stamp at upper left. Additionally signed by J. Springett and Francis Harding as witnesses. Docketed on the verso.

Penn had recently regained proprietorship of Pennsylvania the year before signing this land grant. He returned to England in 1684 to defend his proprietary interests, and temporarily lost control when the Crown placed Pennsylvania under royal administration 1692-1694. Penn returned in 1699, by which time his colony was a populous settlement of roughly 20,000 with a functioning government and thriving economy.

Condition: Somewhat toned with smoothed folds. Penn's signature slightly faded. Some soiling near the edges; minor chips and insect damage, touching text but not affecting legibility of document. Docket on verso very faded.

Include Thumbnail(s)