[Americana] [Declaration of Independence] Morris, Robert. Autograph Letter, signed

"Ship" (Washington), February, 27, 1787. One sheet folded to make four pages, 8 3/4 x 7 1/4 in. (222 x 184 mm) Autograph letter, signed by financier Robert Morris to Messrs. Ruellan & Co, pertaining to a shipment of tobacco, as well as warning them of a Mr. Quesnel of Virginia, who had been falsely identifying himself as a partner in their firm. Paper loss from wax seal almost affecting signature; scattered ink soiling. In mat with an engraved portrait of Morris, and in double-pane glass frame, 25 x 21 in. (635 x533 mm).

"The present letter goes by the ship Washington belonging to Messrs. Wallace & Muir my Friends at Annapolis in Maryld loaded with about 330 bushels Toba. on my acct. They beg of me to use my interest with you to get her a good Birth in your Harbour and the quickest dispatch possible and I earnestly request your attention thereunto. If your ship the Jugars intended by the Ship Le Couteulx & they arrive soon they will come to a fine market...You will receive Many Cargoes of Tobacco on my account this Winter & I pray the Continuance of your zeal & attention to my Interest in the deliveries etc..."

An interesting autograph letter by Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congressman, and Superintendent of Finance during the American Revolution, Robert Morris (1734-1806), addressed to the French merchant company Ruellan & Co.

Ruellan & Co. were affiliates of Le Couteulx and Co., Morris's personal European banking house. They were often contracted by him in foreign deals while he acted as Superintendent of Finance, from 1781-84. In 1784, Morris brokered a deal with the French government, with the help of Le Couteulx and Co, to sell Virginia tobacco in France in order to begin paying off the growing American national debt.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.