New York Society For Promoting the Manumission of Slaves. Engraved

Document, 17 1/8 x 18 5/8 inches, ornately lettered; few short tears at the margins and one small chip to the top right corner, marginal stains, not affecting the text or the engraved work by noted engraver Peter Maverick; original embossed seal still present. New York, 1812 A scarce document signed by the president of the Society, Cadwallader Colden. The New York Society for Promoting the Manumission Of Slaves was founded in 1785 with John Jay (then Chief Justice) as its first president. This membership certificate was that of Joseph Curtis.