SOLD SOLD SOLD 1775 Thomas Knox Gordon Chief Justice Rare Printed Subpoena Intact Seal + Cost Summary + Watermarks
This is a relatively rare “pre - printed” subpoena AND one signed by Chief Justice Thomas Knox Gordon (last Chief Justice at Charlestowne appointed by King George) for Mitchell Cant, Joseph Dobbins and Lawrence Bryars to appear in a case between Valentine Lynn, the plaintiff against Wilson Cook; the Defendant in the case. Signatures include Thomas Knox Gordon the Chief Justice below the Seal and James Trail at bottom left as the Court of Common Pleas Clerk. At the bottom is a very hard to read signature of “Thepoe” (?) who is the attorney for the plaintiff; Valentine Lynn. In very good condition, it measures 12.375 by 8 inches. Large Seal is complete and firmly attached. Some small holes where there were large amounts of ink and at folds, seen in images. However, it can be held with normal care. Watermarked paper per image of the Subpoena is second to last image (first watermark).
Also, in very good condition is the summary of costs between Valentine Lynn and William Cook. This is undated; however, was folded with the Subpoena. The images of front and back give the best description and details. It measures just under 8.5 by 12.25 inches. Only saw one pinhole between the “Extra Fees” and “37:10:7” near the top of the front page. Has watermark; last image.
NOTE: It stands to reason that pre - printed legal documents would have a watermark different from other documents.
Chief Justice Thomas Knox Gordon, an Irish lawyer, arrived in Charleston in 1770 to take up his appointment as Chief Justice of the General Court. Last Chief Justice appointed in Charleston by King George; considered a 'Royal Placeman'. Gordon served on the Governor's Council as well until forced to flee in 1777. He returned to Charleston from Belfast in 1780 during the British occupation and assumed many of his formal duties in the occupied city by acting as head of the Board of Police. https://www.geni.com/people/Thomas-Knox-Gordon/6000000018596144732
Unable to find definite information on the other names. A deeper search was not conducted.