Morris, Robert. (1734-1806) Revolutionary patriot and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Helped finance the American Revolution.
Autograph Letter Signed and Two Documents. Framed collection of three Robert Morris items, which tell the story of this Revolutionary financier's fall from grace.
A. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, octavo, The Hills (Morris' country estate on the Schuylkill River), February 5, 1798. Written to his business partner in the North American Land Company, John Nicholson, a few weeks before Morris was arrested and brought before the Justices of the Supreme Court at Philadelphia in March of that same year, this arresting, simply-worded letter shows Morris at the end of his rope, paralyzed by despair. He writes, in full: "If writing notes could relieve me you would do it sooner than any man in the world but all you have said in those now before me No. 5 to 9 inclusive [the two businessmen numbered their correspondence] amount -- when summed up To Nothing. My money is gone. My furniture is to be sold. I am to go to prison & my Family to starve. Good Night. Robt. Morris." His land speculation schemes gone awry, his money gone, his family helpless by his side, Morris can only surrender to the Deputies he knows will soon come knocking on his door. Slightly stained and folded.
B. Document Signed ("Robt. Morris"), as President of the North American Land Company. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, large oblong Quarto, Philadelphia, February 20, 1795. Countersigned by James Marshall, brother of John Marshall, who was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Some wear at edges, and the left edge appears to have been trimmed, not affecting the text. This document certifies that "Dr. Enoch Edwards is entitled to one Share in the entire property of the North American Land Company; the Dividend thereof shall not be less than Six Dollars on one Share Annually..." Morris' business venture failed, and he was eventually bankrupted by land speculation, which resulted in his being hauled off to Prane Street debtor's prison.
C. Promissory Note Endorsed on Verso. One page, approximately 7 x 4", Philadelphia, April 20, 1795. Partially printed document accomplished in manuscript, in which one W. Nicholson lends Morris $3,000. Some age toning, with slight ink erosion from the endorsement on verso, which is probably Morris'.
Also included is a printed facsimile booklet entitled "Plan of Association Of The North American Land Company," which describes the company's holdings, and includes biographical and historical material on Morris and his checkered career.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
