Lot 1624: Autograph - James Wilson

Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania (1742-1798). In 1789, he became one of the original nine justices appointed by Washington to the Supreme Court. War-dated ALS, one page, 8 x 13, May 6, 1783. Wilson writes to fellow Philadelphia lawyer, Edward Burd, in full: "We proposed to have attended at Chester at least during some Part of the Sessions: But the Arrangements in the Court of Appeals render it impossible for us to be of any Service to our Clients. Will you be good enough to mention this to the Judges, and to the Attorney General, that no Causes which can possibly be postponed may be tried in our Absence? You will also, as you may have opportunity, mention to our Clients the Reason of our Absence." Address panel on reverse is penned in Wilson's hand. Letter affixed to a slightly larger cardstock sheet by its left edge of the second page. In very good condition, with lightly intersecting folds, uniform toning, light spotting, a few spots of mild soiling affecting the text, rough edges, a light pencil notation, and a mild spot of residue from the wax seal on the reverse of the second integral page. During this time, Wilson was serving as the Advocate General for France in America; in January of the same year, he took his seat as a delegate to the General Congress, all the while, enjoying a reputation as one of the most celebrated lawyers in Philadelphia.