1785 Delaware Land Bond Future Gov Nathaniel Mitchell Revolutionary War Signed For Sale

This exceptional manuscript documents an early Delaware land transaction executed just two years after the end of the American Revolution and only a few years before Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. While the bond itself concerns private citizens, its later judicial certification by Nathaniel Mitchell, one of Delaware\'s most important Revolutionary War veterans and political leaders, significantly enhances its historical importance.

The document remains complete with its original signatures, witness attestations, court certification, embossed Sussex County seal, and numerous contemporary docketing endorsements recording its proof and entry into the county Rolls Office.

• Original 1785 Sussex County, Delaware land bond.
• Officially proved in the Court of Common Pleas in 1793.
• Certified and signed by Nathaniel Mitchell, later Governor of Delaware.
• Original embossed Sussex County seal.
• Describes approximately four acres of land along the county road from Douglass Mill toward Edward Williams, adjoining land formerly owned by David Bullock (Bollock).
• Excellent example of early American legal practice immediately following the Revolutionary War.
• Outstanding piece for collectors of Revolutionary War, Delaware history, colonial manuscripts, genealogy, and early American legal documents.

The most significant figure associated with this document.

Mitchell served with distinction during the American Revolution, beginning in Delaware militia service before joining the Continental Army. He became Brigade Major and Inspector under General Peter Muhlenberg and was captured by British forces during the Yorktown Campaign before eventually being paroled.

Following the war, Mitchell became one of Delaware\'s leading public servants:

• Delegate to the Continental Congress
• Prothonotary of Sussex County
• Member of the Society of the Cincinnati
• Governor of Delaware (1805-1808)
• Later member of both the Delaware House and Senate

His certification on this document dates from his tenure as Sussex County Prothonotary, more than a decade before he became governor.

Resident of Dorchester County, Maryland, and obligor in the bond. He bound himself and his heirs to Charles Hopkins Brown regarding peaceful possession of the described tract of land in Sussex County.

Resident of Sussex County, Delaware, and recipient of the bond securing his quiet possession of approximately four acres. Although not a public figure, his transaction illustrates everyday land ownership during Delaware\'s formative years following independence.

Witness to the original execution of the bond who later appeared before the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas in 1793 to swear that he personally observed Charles Brown sign, seal, and deliver the instrument.

Second witness to the execution of the bond, signing with his mark. The Layton family became one of Sussex County\'s longstanding early families.

The bond obligates Charles Brown in the sum of three pounds lawful money, conditioned upon Charles Hopkins Brown enjoying peaceful possession of approximately four acres of land located on the south side of the county road leading from Douglass Mill toward Edward Williams, adjoining land formerly belonging to David Bullock. If Charles Hopkins Brown\'s possession is never disturbed, the obligation becomes void; otherwise, it remains enforceable.

The reverse contains the official court proof dated 1793, recording John Graham\'s sworn testimony before the Court of Common Pleas at Georgetown, followed by Nathaniel Mitchell\'s certification and later recording endorsements showing entry into the Sussex County Rolls Office.

Original eighteenth-century manuscript in good antique condition for its age.

• Original iron gall ink throughout
• Original signatures
• Original embossed Sussex County seal
• Fold wear and separations consistent with period storage
• Small losses and staining
• Multiple contemporary docketing endorsements on reverse
• Court recording notations and certification remain clear and legible

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

An outstanding and historically important Delaware Revolutionary-era legal manuscript linking an original 1785 land transaction with the official signature of Nathaniel Mitchell, Revolutionary War officer, Continental Congressman, and future Governor of Delaware.