September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Lot consists of 2 letters formerly in the Lattimer collection. (A) 1 page letter dated Philadelphia Feb. 9, 1801, from Robert Morris to Maj. L’Enfant. Morris (1734-1806,) well known as the "Financier of the Revolution" served in the Pennsylvania legislature, Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence, and was intimately involved in economic, trade, and naval affairs. He was Superintendent of Finance of the U.S. 1781-1784, but suffered business reverses in later years with the collapse of the North American Land Company and, by the time of this letter, was in debtor’s prison. Pierre Charles L’Enfant served as a military engineer in the Continental Army, but is best known for laying out the basic plan of Washington, D.C. Morris refers to his "Washington business," possibly land speculation, and refers him to another individual, name partially obscured, with advice also to James Marshall, Morris’s son in law. CONDITION: Good. 2 lines partially obscured. (B) 1 page letter dated Sept. 12, 1824 from Bedford by John Jay (1745-1829,) member of the Continental Congress, co-author of the Federalist Papers, Governor of New York, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, addressed to his son Peter. Peter Augustus Jay (1776-1843) was also a prominent lawyer and politician. He was secretary to his father in the Jay Treaty and was involved in social justice causes, promoting the abolition of slavery and the extension of voting rights. Letter deals with family news, business relevant to building lots and rents, hopes that a "Box of Claret" sent by Peter will arrive safely, and LaFayette’s visit to the United States and delay of his visit to Bedford (Jay’s New York homestead) until his return from a tour "southward," noting in passing, "The manner of his reception in this country will not I suspect make agreable (sic) impressions on his court," which is a rather interesting aside. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: 10" x 10"