[Alabama]

Alabama Territory of the United States. By the Orphan's Court of Lawrence County...[caption title]

[N.p., but probably Lawrence County, Al. before 1820, but executed December 13, 1824]. [2]pp., partially printed and completed in manuscript, folio. Old folds, some toning, minor edge wear. With official seal affixed to verso. Very good. Item #4458

An interesting, partially-printed Alabama territorial imprint that was completed after statehood was achieved on December 14, 1819. The heading at top reads, "Alabama Territory of the United States." The document was not used until 1824, at which time the clerk of the court who executed the document crossed out "Territory of the United States," and wrote "State of" before the word "Alabama." The document itself is an official adoption decree allowing Stafford Tillman of Lawrence County, Alabama guardianship over John Dyer Tillman after his mother's death. The manuscript certification at the conclusion of the document covers the last quarter of the front and about half of the verso; the certification was written by John Gallagher, clerk of the court, who certifies the document itself. Following Gallagher's certification is another certification, by Judge Peter W. Taylor, confirming Gallagher as clerk. The middle of the verso is docketed, "Letter of Guardianship Stafford Tillman." A notable example of the ways in which officials conserved paper and documents by re-constituting a territorial imprint five years later as an official state document, complete with affixed seal on the verso.

Price: $650.00