Description:

Edmund Randolph
n.p., n.d.
Ed. Randolph To Nicholson Mentions Rbt. Morris "I have sold stock" as Washington's Attorney General
ALS

RANDOLPH, EDMUND. American Statesman, Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Washington, Member of Cont. Congress, First U.S. Attorney General, Delegate to Constitutional Convention 1753-1813. ALS, 4to., [Dec. 1791], n.p. 1p, measuring 9.5" x 8". To John Nicholson Philadelphia financier. Written while Attorney General and mentions Robert Morris. Light toning, sealed tear at upper left and very small, sealed tear lower right, expected folds.

In full:

"Tuesday morning

Dear Sir

I was unwell yesterday, when your note came. I have sold stock, which I was to have been paid for some days ago, but yesterday at any rate. I shall go out this morning, as soon as I am released from two gentlemen, now with me, in order to obtain payment, to replace your favor to me. Your note I have in my keep, and will deliver it to you.

My rough opinion I read to Mr. Smith & Mr. Matlack on Friday last. Mr. Rob't Morris now has it.

I am dear sir yr - obliged with esteem,

Edm. Randolph"

Edmund Randolph was one of America's Founding Fathers, representing Virginia at the Continental Congress in 1779, serving as Virginia's Governor beginning in 1786 at the age of 33, and attending the Constitutional Convention as a delegate the following year promoting "The Virginia Plan" as a template for the new nation's government. As such, Randolph was a key figure in shaping the United States Constitution, however, due to a disagreement on its final form he was not a signor of the final draft of the Constitution. Nevertheless, he argued for ratifying it, despite his reservations, at the Virginia Ratifying Convention of 1788. In 1789 Randolph was made a member of President George Washington's Cabinet, serving as the first United States Attorney General and then in 1794 becoming Secretary of State. Unfortunately, Randolph resigned in scandal in 1795. Randolph County in his home state of Virginia is named in Edmund Randolph's honor.

Randolph writes here to John Nicholson, a Pennsylvania state official and Philadelphia financier who was involved in land speculation, real estate and manufacturing. Ultimately Nicholson's business dealings bankrupted him and he died in debtor's prison in 1800. During his infamous business career Nicholson partnered with Robert Morris, who Randolph mentions in this letter. Robert Morris was another prominent figure in the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation, who, like Randolph, also served as a member of the Continental Congress. Beginning around the period of this letter was when Nicholson and Morris began their serious land speculation endeavors, which similarly to Nicholson, landed him in debtor's prison. This one letter captures a snippet in history in which these three figures were seemingly intimately financially connected. Also mentioned is T. Matlack, who is likely Timothy Matlack, another signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent business figure in the early years of American independence.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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