Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Receipt Signed, Philadelphia, June 1787.

Lot 76

About Seller

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
United States

Founded over four decades ago, Bonhams Skinner offers more than 60 auctions annually. Bonhams Skinner auctions reach an international audience and showcase the unique, rare, and beautiful in dozens of categories, including the fine and decorative arts, jewelry, modern design, musical instruments, sc...Read more

Bid Increments

Price	Bid Increment
$0	$10
$100	$25
$500	$50
$1,000	$100
$3,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$30,000	$2,500
$50,000	$5,000
$100,000	$10,000
$300,000	$25,000
$500,000	$50,000
$1,000,000	$100,000

About Auction

Fine Books & Manuscripts by Bonhams Skinner

Live

Fine Books & Manuscripts

By Bonhams Skinner

Nov 15, 2015 - Nov 16, 2015

Set Reminder 2015-11-15 11:00:00 2015-11-16 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Books & Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/fine-books-manuscripts-1024 Bonhams Skinner bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

View Full Catalog (409)

Lot Description

Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Receipt Signed, Philadelphia, June 1787.
Single page of laid paper inscribed on one side. Stating that Washington received a draught of financier and Founding Father Robert Morris, Jr. (1734-1806) from Virginia politician Doctor David Stuart (1753-1814) for 1,401 and 60/90th of a dollar from the annuity due to him from the estate of Parke Custis, deceased. The sheet lightly toned, with old folds, notes on verso, 7 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.

Bartholomew Dandridge, Martha Washington's brother, had been in charge of the late John Parke Custis's (1753-1814) estate until his own death in April 1785, when Stuart, who had married Custis's widow, Eleanor Calvert Custis (1758-1811), took over. Washington was in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention in June of 1787. On 5 May 1787, Washington writes to Stuart. "On Monday after an early dinner, or on Tuesday morning, I shall commence my journey to Philadelphia. It would therefore suit me very well to receive the Sum mentioned when you were here last, at that place; and probably as you are going to Richmond, it may be so ordered. Alexanders Bills on Mr. Morris would answer well--doubtfull Bills, or Bills which would be accompanied with delay, would by no means suit me, because the money would be applied 1st towards paying a debt there--and 2d in the purchase of some Goods for the family, if I can get them cheap there."

Morris was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution; he contributed vast sums of his own money in support of the American Revolution and the fledgling American government.

This receipt was collected at Dr. David Stuart's former Virginia plantation home, Hope Park, during the Civil War by Pennsylvania Cavalry Volunteer Captain Martin L. Stone, likely in late summer of 1862 while he was on picket duty. Family documents from Stone's descendants relate that Stone entered the home and found the library floor scattered with papers. He picked up two receipts on that day, one signed by George, the other signed by Martha Washington.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Shipping Info
- Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction.
Buyer's Premium
- 25.00 %