This document is a rare judicial appointment from the first term of America’s first President, George Washington. The appointed judge is Richard Peters, a prominent lawyer from Philadelphia and a former member of the Continental Congress. Peters, although of British stock, was a staunch supporter of the cause of independence during the Revolutionary War, even serving as Secretary of the Board of War throughout the active phase of the Revolutionary War.

     Washington nominated Peters to his post on January 12th, 1792, and the former revolutionary was confirmed the following day. Peters assumed the seat on the United States District Court for the District of Pennsylvania that was vacated by noted abolitionist William Lewis, with Peters serving until his death in 1828. Throughout his career in the judiciary, Peters consistently supported federal power over states rights, and was a key figure in the development of modern admiralty law in the United States. His family remained important in American society years after his death, as Peters’ grandson, Richard, was the founder of Atlanta, Georgia.

     This document is printed on vellum, and features a paper seal. Washington’s signature is exceptionally bold and written in black pen. James Wilson, a Supreme Court justice, countersigned the reverse side of the document. It measures 12 x 12 inches and is matted with two engravings of Washington. “Benjamin 6-14-52” is written in light, gray pencil on the bottom left area of the document, as it used to be in the possession of noted document collector and dealer Mary Benjamin. This document is encased in a double sided frame that measures 23 ½ x 18 inches. This item comes with a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A03313).

Auction Notepad