A Land Deed Signed By Thomas Mifflin And William Bingham, Including A Sale To The Indebted Robert Morris And John Nicholson

WILLIAM BINGHAM (1752-1804). Bingham was a Senator and Continental Congressman from Philadelphia, as well as one of the richest men in the United States at the time. THOMAS MIFFLIN (1744-1800). Mifflin was a politician, soldier, and Founding Father from Pennsylvania. DS. 1pg. December 18, 1794. An oversized document signed “Tho Mifflin” as Governor of Pennsylvania. It is a partially-printed land deed engrossed by another hand, made out to William Bingham. “… Know ye, That in consideration of the monies paid by Robert Gilmore into the Receiver-General’s office of this Commonwealth at the granting of the Warrant herein after mentioned and of the sum of five pounds eleven shillings & six pence lawful money now paid by William Bingham Esq. into said office there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto the said William Bingham a certain tract of land called ‘Cheshunt’ situate in the late Purchase Dist. No. 4 Northumberland County Beginning at a beech thence by his other land west five hundred eighty three perches to a Beech North three hundred and twenty […] To have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land, with the appurtenances, unto the said William Bingham, and his Heirs to use of him the said William Bingham his Heirs and Assigns forever, free and clear of al restrictions and reservations as to Mines, Royalties, Quit-rents or otherwise, excepting and reserving only the fifth part of all Gold and Silver Ore for the use of this commonwealth to be delivered at the pitts mouth clear of all charges. In Witness whereof Thomas Mifflin Governor of the said commonwealth hath hereto set his Hand and caused the State Seal to be hereunto affixed the eighteenth day of Decem, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four and of the commonwealth nineteen. Attest James Trimble Deputy Secy.” Mifflin signed in the upper left, just below the large paper seal. The verso of the document includes a lengthy statement signed “Wm Bingham” and written in another hand. This statement is notable for mentioning a land sale to Robert Morris and John Nicholson at the time the two of them were falling heavily into debt through land speculation. “… Be it known That I the within named William Bingham in Consideration of Five shillings lawfull [sic] money of Pennsylvania to me paid by Robert Morris & John Nicholson Esquires before the Sealing and Delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain & Sell unto them, the said Robert Morris & John Nicholson their Heirs & assigns, the within mentioned Tract of Land and Premises with the appurtenances to have and to hold the same and every Part thereof, with the Privileges thereto belonging, unto them the said Robert Morris & John Nicholson their Heirs and Assigns…Wm Bingham”. It is in very good condition with some toning to the vellum.