Description:

NY Riot Damage Civil War Mayor George Opdyke PSA Graded Signed Check

A signed check by New York Mayor George Opdyke for riot damage. 1p, measuring 8.25" x 3.5", New York, dated December 9, 1863. Boldly signed "George Opdyke." A printed check, No. 5512, drawn on the Broadway Bank, with a payment of $53.24 made out to William H. Van Arsdale "for damage by Rioters at 18th Precinct Station House July 1863." Countersigned by Matthew Brennan as Comptroller. Endorsed by Van Arsdale on verso. With bank cancellation punches and cuts. PSA slabbed and Graded, measuring 12.25" x 5.5" overall. Flattened folds and edge toning. The cancellation punches have caused some loss of text, but this does not affect Opdyke's signature. With a bold and attractive signature.

The 1863 New York City Draft Riots (July 13-16, 1863) was the defining event of Opdyke's tenure as Mayor of New York City from 1862-1864. The catalyst behind the spontaneous yet wide-scale public protests was President Lincoln's new call for Union Army conscripts and the fact that wealthy drafted men could opt out of service by paying for a substitute. The rioters primarily consisted of working-class New Yorkers of Irish heritage or origin. In addition to the socioeconomic tensions inherent in the riots, there was also a strong racial component, as Black residents were perceived as threats to the rioters' economic and social stability. The demonstrations quickly devolved into indiscriminate looting, destruction, and racially motivated killings. It's estimated that over 100 individuals were killed during the Draft Riots and that property damage topped $1.5 million.

The 18th Precinct Station House on Second Avenue was attacked near midnight, where the mob proceeded to set fire to the building. The blaze continued for upwards of two hours before being put out. Evidently, the attack was so unexpected that it was met with no resistance, and any aid was delayed.

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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June 28, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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