PATRICK HENRY Signed Document Appointing Justices for Slave Trials in Virginia Autograph * PSA

Patrick Henry Desirable Signed Document Appointing Justices of the Peace "For the purpose of trying, condemning, and executing...any slave commiting capital crime".

Revolutionary patriot, famed orator, and Governor of Virginia PATRICK HENRY official Commonwealth of Virginia commission appointing magistrates and commissioners for the trial of enslaved persons in Northampton County, dated April 5, 1785. Boldly signed at the conclusion “P. Henry” as Governor of Virginia.

The document begins with the printed heading “The Commonwealth of VIRGINIA” and appoints numerous local officials as “Gentlemen, Justices of the Peace, in and for the County of Northampton.” It further constitutes them as Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for the trial of Slaves, granting authority to convene court proceedings for trying, condemning, or acquitting enslaved individuals accused of capital crimes within the county.

In part:
“Gentlemen, Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for the trial of Slaves in the said County… to be held for the said County from time to time for the purpose of trying, condemning and executing, or otherwise punishing or acquitting any slave committing a capital crime within the said County…”

The document concludes:

“IN TESTIMONY whereof these our Letters are sealed, with the Seal of the Commonwealth, and made Patent. Witness Patrick Henry, Esquire, our said Governor at Richmond, the fifth day of April… one thousand seven hundred and eighty five…”

Patrick Henry (1736–1799) was one of the most influential voices of the American Revolution, immortalized for his 1775 declaration “Give me liberty, or give me death!” He served multiple terms as the first post-colonial Governor of Virginia. During his governorship, Henry signed numerous official commissions and state documents such as this one, reflecting the early legal structures of the newly independent Commonwealth.

The HENRY autograph has been thoroughly examined and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA AUTHENTICATION SERVICES EXPERT EXAMINATION. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. Purchase includes the original Beckett Letter of Authenticity.

Condition:
Condition as shown. Folded document with typical period folds. Minor separations along folds, not affecting the signature. Light toning and scattered foxing. Original paper seal at lower left. 

Own a remarkable original piece of Revolutionary-era American history! The perfect acquisition for the Revolutionary War, colonial Virginia, or early American government collector, or any serious autograph enthusiast.

Sold as is, as shown.