Lot 221
Girard, Stephen (1750-1831) American businessman and philanthropist. Manuscript Letter Signed ("Stephn Girard"), Philadelphia, November 11, 1812, 10 x 7¾ in., 1 pg + integral address leaf. A war-date letter addressed to Mr. Leopold Nottnagell of Bristol, Pennsylvania regarding "twenty five Bushells of Seed rye, which I beg you will send to me as soon as possible, even if it cost a few dollars more than the first….Please to engage two or three hundred Bushells of buckwheat for me provided the quality is good…." These supplies were probably to be used to feed the American troops. Boldly signed. Address leaf has red "PHI," "PAID," and manuscript "8" postal markings, and some pencil notations. Light toning and normal folds, else Fine. Accompanied by an 11 x 8½ in. photo of a portrait painting of Girard.
The French-born Girard became one of Philadelphia's most famous citizens. After amassing a fortune in shipping, he turned to banking, real estate, and insurance. He founded the Bank of Stephen Girard in 1812 to take over the business of the first Bank of the United States. During the War of 1812, he averted a financial crisis with the help of John Jacob Astor by underwriting most of a war loan to the government. In 1816, Girard aided in the establishment of the second Bank of the United States. He bequeathed six million dollars to the city of Philadelphia for the establishment of Girard College for orphan boys; it opened in 1848 and still exists today.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
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| Realized $345 |
