Broom Jacob
Jacob Broom, Rarest of the Constitution Signers ALS, "I can no longer stand between him and you"

Jacob Broom Autograph Letter signed, one page, 8" x 8.75." Dated "Wilmington, Oct 11th, 1783," and signed by him as "Jaco Broom." Integral address leaf autographed by Broom to "Thomas Rodney Esquire/ Kent County/ Delaware State." (Thomas Rodney, was also the brother of Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence). This letter was a part of a larger document, of which a copy of the original is included for review and will accompany this lot. The original document, although quite readable, was in poor and frail condition, and as such, this piece was removed to preserve the letter. The letter remains complete unto itself with expert restoration to several areas of loss with about a half dozen words artfully infilled, not affecting the signature. The letter is toned and creased but is now archivally preserved, and is in its most desirable form, a one page ALS conveying strong vibrant ink and a bold signature.

Ex: Charles Forbes, who purchased this letter in 1949, with this being the first time it has come back to the market. A copy of Forbes' bookplate will accompany the lot, along with his original lightly stained filing envelope indicating his date of purchase.

Jacob Broom's autograph is rare in any form, one of the rarest Signers of the Constitution. The last time an ALS signed by Broome appeared at auction was a year ago, and sold for $5,339.

This handsome letter displaying a sense of urgency by Broom with his statement of "I can no longer stand between him and you ..." is shown transcribed in full below discussing a land transaction which remains in part unpaid:

"Sir/ above is a state of the acct Jacob Fussell against you provided you …the lot & receiver… Mr. Fussell is very much displeased that he should be so much disappointed & has desired me to write to you the bearer Wm Stow, to inform you that unless he is paid the balance with Interest within thirty days after date hereof, he will have the Lot Sold at Public Sale in order to satisfy his demand - this I shall be under the necessity of doing as I cannot any longer stand between him and you …

Jaco Broom

Wilmington Oct 11th, 1783

Mr. Rodney Esq"

Jacob Broom (1752-1810) a pacifist Quaker, was a signer of the United States Constitution during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. While his religious leaning prevented him from participating in combat, he prepared detailed maps for the Delaware region for General Washington. He was one of only four signers of the Constitution to have never served in Congress. In 1776, at the age of 24, Broom became assistant burgess of Wilmington, Delaware. Over the next several decades, he held that office six times and chief burgess (mayor) four times; he served in the Delaware legislature from 1784-1786 and in 1788. Despite his lack of involvement in national politics prior to the Constitutional Convention, Broom was a dedicated supporter of strong central government. When George Washington visited Wilmington in 1783, Broom urged him to "contribute your advice and influence to promote that harmony and union of our infant governments which are so essential to the permanent establishment of our freedom, happiness and prosperity." Broom carried these opinions with him to Philadelphia, where he consistently voted for measures that would assure a powerful government responsive to the needs of the states. He was only 58 when he died and was buried in Philadelphia's Christ Church Burial Ground.





This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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