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Thomas Jefferson Check Signed While Minister of France. ... (Total: 3 )
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Sold on Jun 4, 2022 for:
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Description
Thomas Jefferson Check Signed While Minister of France. One partially printed page, 9.25" x 3.75", Paris; February 1, 1788. In French, a partially printed check made out to "Monsieur Grand" for 3201 florins. Boldly signed at the bottom right, "Th: Jefferson". The check is accompanied by an oval engraving of Jefferson measuring 3" x 3.5" and an oval ceramic portrait of Jefferson in profile, which measures 3.25" x 4.25".Ferdinand Grand (1726-1794) handled financial transactions between the United States and the French government via his banking house in the Rue des Capucins. According to Jefferson's memorandum books, this payment "drew on Willincks and Van Staphorsts for f3201.1...in favr. of Mr. Grand." [Volume I, page 692]. In late 1787, Mr. Grand refused to advance any more cash to Jefferson until he received some form of remittance from the United States. Jefferson's solution to this quandary was to authorize this payment (as well as an identical amount made October 1, 1787) from the Dutch firm of Willink and Van Staphorst on behalf of the United States. Wilhelm and Jan Willink, and Nicolaas and Jacobus Van Staphorst were wealthy Dutch bankers and merchants who invested heavily in the United States during those early years of the American Republic. The Dutch-Holland Loans, along with those provided by the French Government, helped stabilize the fledgling, cash-strapped country throughout the Revolutionary War and after and were crucial to its success. However, repayment of the loans proved to be a diplomatic minefield, and Jefferson's position as Minister of France ensured that he played a pivotal part in navigating the complicated issues that arose from foreign investment.
Condition: Check with some very light soiling. Closed tear measuring .75" at upper right corner. One small area of paper attachment with circular adhesive on recto. Four small areas of paper attachment on verso with thin strip of dried adhesive along top margin, indicating prior mounting. Dried adhesive and paper attachment to verso of both images.
Auction Info
2022 June 4 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6247 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
4th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 17
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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