Lot 213
Solomon, Haym (1740-1785) Polish-born Jewish immigrant to America who played an important role in financing the Revolution. Drawn early to the Patriot side, he was arrested by the British as a spy in 1776, then pardoned and used by the British as an interpreter for their German troops. Salomon, meanwhile, helped prisoners of the British escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert. He was arrested once again in 1778 and sentenced to death, but managed to escape to Philadelphia, where he resumed his career as a broker and dealer in securities. He became broker to the French consul and paymaster to French troops in America.
Congress had no powers of direct taxation and was forced to borrow money from the French and Dutch governments. In 1781, when Congress appointed Robert Morris superintendent of finances and Morris established the Bank of America, he depended on patriots like Salomon to subscribe to the bank, to find purchasers for government bills of exchange, and to lend their own money to the government. Salomon brokered bills of exchange for the American government and extended interest-free personal loans to members of Congress.
Solomon was an influential member of Philadelphia’s Mikveh Israel congregation, founded in 1740. He helped lead the fight to overturn restrictive Pennsylvania laws barring non-Christians from holding public office. Salomon died penniless in 1785, never having been repaid for his loans to Congress.
Cut signature on a ¼ x 2 1/8" slip of paper. Matted with an image of Solomon, a name plaque and a large biographical plaque and framed to an overall size of 21¾ x 19¼". A rare and important signature.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $2,030 |
