Manuscript qualification oath, signed four times by Mompesson.
Philadelphia: docketed mo/2 [April] 1706]. 2½ pp, on a folded sheet (306 x 190 mm). Paragraph at the bottom of the second page partially erased and scored out at a contemporary date. Docketing on final blank. Condition : old folds. an important document marking the swearing in of roger mompesson as chief justice of pennsylvania: a man william penn described as “an able, grounded lawyer, & a good temperd & honest so[b]er gentleman.” This document appears to be the one that was used at the Provincial Council meeting of 17 April 1706, when Mompesson was confirmed as Chief Justice. The oaths are quite straightforward and typical of qualification oaths in both England and America, swearing allegiance to Queen Anne; rejection of the doctrine that subjects may depose Princes who have been excommunicated by the Pope, or that any foreign powers have any jurisdiction in England or her dominions; a rejection of the core beliefs of Roman Catholicism; and an undertaking to administer justice equally to rich and poor. Mompesson signs his name below each. The paragraph that has been "deleted" reads: "And We do Solemnly Promise and Swear that We will be Faithful to the Right Honorable William Penn Esq. and his heirs Proprietors of Pennsylvania and Counties of Newcastle Kent and Sussex Delaware." It is unclear why this oath of allegiance to the Proprietor was removed. Roger Mompesson was one of the most eminent jurists in early-18th century colonial America. He seems to have arrived in Philadelphia early in 1704 on the same ship as William Penn Jr., and Governor Evans. He was "a brilliant, heavy-drinking young barrister, a former M.P. for Southamptom, who had fled to Pennsylvania to escape his creditors" (Tolles, James Logan and Culture of Provincial America, p. 43). Mompesson went on to serve as the Chief Justice in Pennsylvania 1706-15, and then in New York, and was the first Chief Justice of New Jersey, as well as serving on the provincial councils of all three colonies.
Manuscript qualification oath, signed four times by Mompesson.
Philadelphia: docketed mo/2 [April] 1706]. 2½ pp, on a folded sheet (306 x 190 mm). Paragraph at the bottom of the second page partially erased and scored out at a contemporary date. Docketing on final blank. Condition : old folds. an important document marking the swearing in of roger mompesson as chief justice of pennsylvania: a man william penn described as “an able, grounded lawyer, & a good temperd & honest so[b]er gentleman.” This document appears to be the one that was used at the Provincial Council meeting of 17 April 1706, when Mompesson was confirmed as Chief Justice. The oaths are quite straightforward and typical of qualification oaths in both England and America, swearing allegiance to Queen Anne; rejection of the doctrine that subjects may depose Princes who have been excommunicated by the Pope, or that any foreign powers have any jurisdiction in England or her dominions; a rejection of the core beliefs of Roman Catholicism; and an undertaking to administer justice equally to rich and poor. Mompesson signs his name below each. The paragraph that has been "deleted" reads: "And We do Solemnly Promise and Swear that We will be Faithful to the Right Honorable William Penn Esq. and his heirs Proprietors of Pennsylvania and Counties of Newcastle Kent and Sussex Delaware." It is unclear why this oath of allegiance to the Proprietor was removed. Roger Mompesson was one of the most eminent jurists in early-18th century colonial America. He seems to have arrived in Philadelphia early in 1704 on the same ship as William Penn Jr., and Governor Evans. He was "a brilliant, heavy-drinking young barrister, a former M.P. for Southamptom, who had fled to Pennsylvania to escape his creditors" (Tolles, James Logan and Culture of Provincial America, p. 43). Mompesson went on to serve as the Chief Justice in Pennsylvania 1706-15, and then in New York, and was the first Chief Justice of New Jersey, as well as serving on the provincial councils of all three colonies.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
