May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #2010:
THE FINANCIER OF THE REVOLUTION: ROBERT MORRIS FAMILY ARCHIVE, SIGNED NOTE, DESCENDANT BADGES.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2026
Family archive consists of seven items consigned by a direct descendant and coming down through the family of Founding Father Robert Morris (1734-1806,) signer of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and eventual Superintendent of Finance for the U.S. His business acumen, financial, and commercial experience, personal connections, and even personal credit were life-saving to the birth of the United States. Intimate friends with President George Washington, whom he hosted during visits to Philadelphia, he later gave over his house for Washington’s use as an Executive Mansion while President. Aware of the importance of maritime trade and supply networks, he oversaw the founding of the Continental Navy and with Benjamin Franklin was key in getting French financial, logistical, and finally direct military support. He recommended Alexander Hamilton for Secretary of the Treasury and along with Hamilton was a founder of the US financial and banking system. This is a seldom offered opportunity to acquire material directly from the family of a key figure in the history of the United States. (A) August 1796 note signed by Morris, “Sir, I have received your letter of 29th ultimo- Your draft of the 24 June for $1000 was paid yesterday and all pending ones were regularly discharged as will those which are becoming due. I am Sir / Your obedt Servant / Robt. Morris.” Framed with engraved portrait. A note with direct connection to Morris’s financial interests. (B) Dec. 1794 retained copy, signed and docketed by Morris, of a letter directing the firm of Galbreath & Elmes, “to import prints for me.” The subject matter included both historical and literary subjects, giving insight into Morris’s taste and education. He is specific about the particular artists on whose work the prints were based, that the prints had been taken, “before the plates were injured by ware” [sic,] and gives directions for framing. Subjects included Cromwell dissolving parliament, the Surrender of Calais, and various Shakespearean scenes from “Lear,” “As You Like It,” and “Romeo & Juliet.” (C) Gilt wood framed pen and ink drawing, “The Hills- Robert Morris’ Country Estate 1770-1798.” Ink note on reverse by Grace Morris Poe, Great-Great-Granddaughter of Morris, that it was copied from a published contemporary woodcut. (D) Gilt wood framed 1862 engraving of Morris by Johnson, Fry & Co. from a painting by Alonzo Chappel, facsimile signature. Black ink family notes lower reverse edge of frame, partially effaced. (E) Framed drawing, “SE Cor. 6th and High Streets- Executive Mansion 1790-1800, Houses [sic] owned by Robert Morris.” Purchased by Morris in 1780, the house was frequently visited by Washington and leased to the US by Morris as the third of the official Executive Mansions, inhabited by Washington 1790-97 and then by Adams 1797-1800. (F) Sons of the American Revolution badge, engraved reverse: “Henry Morris M.D. May 13th 1889.” (G) Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence badge. Engraved reverse: “LUCIE MARSHALL MORRIS TINSLEY / 153.” Dr. Henry Morris (b.1855) and Lucy Marshall Morris Tinsley, (b.1866) were brother and sister, great-grandchildren of Robert Morris. CONDITION: Excellent overall. Slight wear to SAR medal ribbon. A very nice, coherent, family archive from a key figure in Revolution and the history of the country.
Item Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 4"