African American teacher, assessor, auditor, selectman, and Justice of the Peace (1746-1817); considered the first African-American elected to public office, as well as the first archaeologist in New Hampshire. Partly-printed DS, one page, 7.75 x 12.75, January 7, 1812. A legal document filled out and signed by Cheswill, also incorporating his name within the text, in part: “Whereas Edward Wells…on the 30th Day of December 1811 before Wentworth Cheswill Esquire, one of our Justices of the Peace for our County of Rockingham, aforesaid, recovered judgment against James Smith of Portsmouth…for the sum of Six Dollars and Eighty eight cents…We Command You, therefore, that the Money of the said Smith…be levied, paid and satisfied, unto the said Wells.” A small paper seal remains affixed to the upper left. In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), and expected document wear. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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