Lot 34
Morris, Robert (1734-1806) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania. Autograph Letter Signed ("Rob Morris"), one page plus integral address leaf, 11 x 8 in., Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1803. To Joseph Hopkinson, in part: "Hearing that you are attending a Court at Easton I take the liberty to enclose herein a mortgage [not present] by Garrett Cottringer to James M. Marshall of some lands in Northampton, which ought to have been put upon record long since but having been neglected untill the time required by law had run out….If you will also be so good to pay the cost I will call on you when you return and reimburse you with thanks…." Fine except for a couple of tiny holes caused by the iron gall in the ink Morris used. A second document, neither signed by Morris nor in his hand, is a record of land transactions having to do with Morris and the Gratz family, as well as the Hollingsworths and others, circa 1786-94.
Robert Morris is often called the "Financier of the Revolution." As Superintendent of Finance, he managed the economy of the fledging country and, although a civilian, was second in power only to General George Washington. After the war, he became involved in land speculation and, unable to pay his debts, ended up in debtors' prison. Morris signed not only the Declaration of Independence, but also the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
Purchased from The Rendells Inc in 1980.
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| Realized $974 |
