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Robert Morris Autograph Letter Signed. One page with integral blank, 5" x 7.75", n.p., April 7, 1796. ...
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Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for:
$597.50
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Description
Robert Morris Autograph Letter Signed. One page with integral blank, 5" x 7.75", n.p., April 7, 1796. American merchant and signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, Morris was known as the "Financier of the Revolution", because of his role in personally financing America in the Revolutionary War from 1781 to 1784. Here, Morris writes a somewhat mysterious letter to John Nicholson, financier, businessman, Comptroller General of Pennsylvania, anti-Federalist, and notorious land speculator. It reads, in full: "Dear Sir, I send herewith two letters for your amusement. One from Alexr White Esqr the other from Genl Lee. You will after reading be pleased to bring them to me that we may consider and determine what is to be done. Yours etc R Morris."Morris was deeply involved with John Nicholson in land speculation and was financially ruined shortly after this letter was written. He was imprisoned for debt in Philadelphia's Prune Street debtors' prison from February 1798 to August 1801. Three years after this letter was penned, Nicholson was also imprisoned when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania placed a lien on his three to four million acres of land, as he was approximately twelve million dollars in debt. Nothing is known of the letters referenced by Morris, but we do know that Alexander White was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and that General Lee is not a reference to General Charles Lee, who died in 1782. Letter is unevenly age toned with a few chips along, but is generally fine. An excellent addition to any Signers collection!
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,316
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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