Lot 353
Harrison, Benjamin (1726-1791) American Revolutionary leader; member of the Continental Congress (1774-1778); signer of the Declaration of Independence; Governor of Virginia. He was also the father of William Henry Harrison, the 9th U.S. President, and grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. President. ALS ("Benj Harrison"), and initialed ("BH"), 1p plus integral address leaf, 9¼" x 7¼", Virginia, 1771 July 19. Addressed in Harrison's hand to "Mr. John Beckhouse, mercht in Liverpool" and sent by ship with Capt Breakhill, ordering goods from England. Very good; overall toning and partial splits at horizon fold; paper loss from seal tear at left margin affects one word of text; the address leaf has paper loss from seal tears and some small areas of varmint damage, not affecting the address in Harrison's hand.
In part: "Inclosed you have Bills of Lading for eight H[og]h[ea]ds of Tobacco, which I wish safe…my Quantity falling short this year occasions my sending but a small Invoice…please to have the goods put into a Trunk as our Linen is much Injured every year by the Dampness of the Ship, and this probably will preserve them…." He pens a list of items wanted, including Irish linen, sheeting, and 28 pair of "Calimanes Pumps" in various sizes, with intitials beside each one, probably referring to his children. He adds a note, "If Mrs. Harrison should have sent the measures by Capt. Breakhill the Pumps must be sent to them. BH."
A note on the verso, date 1797 Jan. 31 and signed by Henry Gardner, states that this paper was exhibited before him and three commissioners, who also signed, possibly having something to do with the probate of Harrison's estate.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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