Lot 33
Morris, Lewis (1726-98) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New York. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, Morrisania, Nov. 9, 1788. An excellent content letter to his son Lewis, Jr.,who was living in South Carolina and who had serious health problems. Trying to persuade his son to return to New York, he describes a 143 acre island available near New York City which could be had for 1600 pounds, and adds, "I am old and all my children except Sally have left me….This place has not been so healthy since the war as it has been this summer….Gouverneur [Lewis' brother and one of the writers and signers of the U.S. Constitution] is now at Morrisania…I am told in a few days he is to sail for Europe [he went on business in 1789, then served as Minister Plenipoteniary to France 1789-92]….Mrs. [Robert] Morris of Phila. walks instead of being drove in a coach of four….Our legislator[s] meet this winter at Albany…where it is absolutely necessary I should be in order to support the Federal party, for by my going we shall have a majority in the Senate…." Tight margins with edge chips affecting a few letters; center fold is separating and there are a couple of small fold separations at margins. Very boldly penned and signed. The British offered to spare Morris' home if he would vote against independence but he refused and he and his family had to flee for their lives. Lewis Morris is rare.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000.
Purchased from Paul Richards in 1981.
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| Realized $3,304 |
