Lot 278
Gerry, Elbridge and Robert Treat Paine. Revolutionary War-date autograph letter signed ("E Gerry"), one page, 12 x 7½ in., Philadelphia, May 25, 1780. To Nathaniel Peabody, "Member of Committee of Congress at Head Quarters Morris Town." "Dear Colonel / I have only Time to inclose you some Papers, & to inform you that I have no Doubt of being able to leave this City on ye 29th. I have been obliged to take 9000 Dollars of your Warrant in a Bill of Exchange, I am as much at a loss for negotiating it, as I was in procuring the Payment thereof; but shall discharge ye Note which you have given to Messr. Daley….Remember me to all Friends particularly to General Schuyler, Baron Steuben &c…." Laid paper has a couple of small holes in text; address leaf has more. Elbridge (1744-1814) signed the Declaration of Independence and served as the fifth Vice President of the United States (1813-1814) under James Madison. He is known best for being the namesake of gerrymandering, a process by which electoral districts are drawn with the aim of aiding the party in power.
Together with an autograph letter signed ("Robt. Treat Paine"), one page, 7¾ x 6½ in., Boston, July 2, 1789. To John McLellen, Esqr., asking him to collect a sum of money from Jacob Lerman ("now living as I suppose in Woodstock") which was due Paine "from before the War." He encloses the note for the money due and asks McClellen to let him know by way of Major Morgan "whether the man is likely to pay it soon, what his Circumstances are, & any thing else that you may think proper to communicate…." Some contemporary ink smearing, else boldly penned and signed on laid, watermarked paper. Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814) was a Massachusetts lawyer and politician, best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
Christie's, New York, Dec. 9, 1998, lot 129.
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| Realized $1,620 |
