Washington, D.C., April 6, 1869, countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, one page, oblong, sight size 15-3/4 x 19-3/4 in., presented in wooden frame. This document names George Washington French of Maine "Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Dakota." Oddly, French was not an attorney and knew no law. He subsequently became an object of derision, though was almost awarded a second term in 1873.

The document has a 1 inch marginal fold so as to fit in its 17 x 21 in. frame. The verso has a pencil inscription gifting the document to Cornelia R. Kellogg by a certain H. W. Thorndike.

Foxing; taped fold on the back; signatures bold and clear.