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

Lot Number: 47089

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47089

Declaration Signer George Wythe Document Signed. Two pages of a bifolium (completely separated at the integral fold), 7 1/4 x 12 1/2 inches, "In the High Court of Chancery," Richmond, Virginia; June 15, 1804. A copy of a court record forwarded to Wythe in his capacity as a judge of the High Court of Chancery in Richmond. The record reads, in part:

"The defendant, who is out of this country, and against whom the Plaintiff appears to have proceeded in the Mode prescribed by Law in such Cases, not having entered his appearance...on the motion of the plaintiff, in his proper person, doth take his Bill for confessed, and adjudge and decree that the defendant do pay unto the plaintiff Seventy Six pounds sixteen shillings and four pence...and also the costs by him expended in the prosecution of the suit."

Below the record, Wythe certifies the document, signing beneath an endorsement written in a secretarial hand: "I George Wythe...do certify that the foregoing attestation of Peter Tinsley, Clerk...is in due form. In testimonie whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the High Court of Chancery...to be appended, at Richmond." Signed "Gr Wythe," with a paper seal and green silk ribbon affixed at the lower left.

George Wythe (1726-1806) represented Williamsburg in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1755 until it was dissolved by the royal governor in 1774. Wythe represented Virginia in the Continental Congress in 1775 and 1776 and signed the Declaration of Independence. Wythe served as a judge for most of his life and was also a prominent law professor at the College of William & Mary. He mentored such notables as Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Henry Clay.

On the verso of the first sheet, Henry Banks of Richmond appoints his relative, Cuthbert Banks, as his attorney. Signed, "Henry Banks" with his seal affixed to the right, and countersigned by W. W. Cunningham and John Fowler as witnesses. Docketed on the verso of the second sheet.

Condition: Moderately toned with smoothed folds. Minor foxing and occasional staining throughout. Small chips and short tears at the edges, some repaired with archival tape on the verso of the first sheet.

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