Description:

Philip Livingston Sr.
Albany, NY, October 8, 1735
Philip Livingston Sr. ALS "Rum is very cheap at New York" to Henry Van Rensselaer
ALS
An autograph letter signed by Philip Livingston Sr., father of Founding Father Philip Livingston, concerning rum and other goods. 1p, measuring 8" x 13", Albany, dated October 8, 1735. Signed "Ph: Livingston" and addressed to Henry [Hendrick] Van Rensselaer. Livingston gives advice on what goods to buy for trade next Spring. With docketing and a red seal on the verso. The letter has flattened folds, with toning, light soiling, and wear. Repairs have been made at the edges from where paper loss occurred due to the seal. Boldly signed.

Reading in part:
"I hope you may have a good passage down and that you may meet all our friends in health. I hear that Rum is very cheap at New York wherefore if you can buy 15 or 20 [illegible] at 2/2e or 2/3e per gall. I hear that Mr. D. Lancey has sold so, I consent that you buy for us that quantity to pay next Spring. I believe He will give you that Credit, and if you can buy from him 20 or 30 pr strouds at £8"5' or £8"7"6 if they be right good I wish you may do it, tho' we not gett much by it yet you may sell other goods and gett ye skins from the Traders, which may be some advantage. Make what interest you can gett providing Provisions for Oswego. Speake to our Comr Ph. Schuyler…offer to do it as cheap as any will but lett it not be known to any body yet I and Katt are to be concerned…am certain it will be much in our way to gett in Debt & sell goods…"

Philip Livingston Sr. (1686-1749) was an American merchant, slave trader, and New York politician. He became involved with the fur trade in New York and also served as his father's agent buying grain in the Hudson Valley and selling flour to the British West Indies. In 1730, he was appointed a Commissioner for Indian Affairs. Although he was involved in politics, Livingston Sr. saw himself as primarily a merchant and would decline political appointments if he believed it would hurt his business.

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: 8.25" x 13.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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