Description:

Robert Morris Signed Sight Draft, Possibly Rev War Dated

A French-language promissory note or sight draft boldly signed by Robert Morris (1734-1806), then in his role as U.S. Superintendent of Finance, as "Robt Morris / S.I. of Finance" at lower right. Partly dated as March 24, 178[], and likely dating from the Revolutionary War or its immediate aftermath. N.p. The document has been laid down on a paper support, and laid onto a larger paper mount. Condition issues include minor areas of edge loss, notably at the lower left and lower right. Expected wear including discoloration and edge darkening, just touching Morris's signature and title. Else good. The actual document measures 8.125" x 3.625" while the mount overall measures 8.625" x 4.375."

This note instructed "Monsieur Grand, Banquier [de Paris]," to pay 2,600 Livres Tournois to creditor Daniel Parker, being the sixth installment, on April 23rd, thirty days from the date of deposit on March 24th.

New York merchant Daniel Parker (fl. 1780s) worked closely with William Duer, John Holker, and Robert Morris to finance and provision the Continental Army. The Americans sought much of their financial support from the French, powerful allies after 1777. Swiss-born Paris-based financier Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand (1726-1796) --"Monsieur Grand"-- served as the Americans' primary broker. From 1777-1781, Grand funneled 1,650,000 livres to the Americans to purchase uniforms, arms, and gunpowder.

President George Washington appointed Robert Morris as U.S. Superintendent of Finance from 1781-1784. Morris had been a significant donor to the Revolutionary war effort, channeling incredible sums of money to pay Washington’s troops during a time when American currency still had no value. In addition to providing these Morris-endorsed “Morris notes," the generous merchant also gifted some of his mercantile fleets to the American navy.

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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