JACOB SHALLUS (1750-1796) The Engrosser of United States Constitution. Shallus served as Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (1790) as well as the Pennsylvania Assembly. A terrific association piece, accomplished while in his post with the Pennsylvania Assembly and written soon after he completed his engrossment of the United States Constitution in September, 1787. Rare A.D.S. "J. Shallus Ast. Ck.", 1p. 4to., [Philadelphia], Feb.26, 1788, an extract from the minutes of the Pennsylvania Assembly transcribing a resolve "That the Comptroller General lay before this House an account of the additional duties imposed by the acts of the 20th September 1785 and the 15th March 1787 so far as the same has been accounted for to him by the Collector of the port of Philadelphia. " The resolve was made "On Motion of Mr. Fitzsimons... ", which was Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-1811), a signer of the Constitution, the very paper that Shallus engrossed. Ironically the resolve deals with one of the chief problems inherent in the Articles of Confederation which allowed the several states to act in most respects as sovereign, independent entities, including imposing state duties on imports. Other states imposed duties of differing amounts which impeded easy commerce. Fitzsimmons was a firm supporter of granting the federal government the right to tax imports and exports. A rare example of his hand. Lightly toned along horizontal folds with very minor separations, otherwise fine condition. $1,200-1,500