Lot 210
Harrison, Benjamin (1726-1791), Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence, farmer, politician. Father of William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. President. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, 6 x 8, Berkley [Va.], April 22, 1779. To the Commercial Committee regarding Virginia tobacco stored for shipment, in part:
"…I have received your Letter of 25th March, & refer you to my Letters, to your Chairman of 25th Jany & 15th March for the invoices of tobacco inclosed in them. They gave you an Acct of 409 Hhds [hogsheads] & the state that they were in, the former mentioned 233 Hhds at Suffolk & South Quay, that they were going fast to decay. I have since heard from Suffolk, & I shall not wonder at it, if in two or three months more, every pound of that tobacco should be lost …"
Very Good condition with normal toning and edge flaws plus some irregular fading of text including the "Benj." of the signature. Docketed twice on verso, once in Harrison’s own hand. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait [incorrectly] of President Benjamin Harrison.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
Harrison played an important role in the establishment of the Departments of State, the Army and the Navy. He also served on several commitees including one to oversee the financial well-being of the state of Virginia, whose prosperity was based almost entirely on Tobacco.
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| Realized $1,600 |
