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Item Details
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| Heading: |
(American Revolution) |
| Author: |
Duane, James |
| Title: |
Autograph Letter Signed from James Duane, delegate to the Continental Congress, to George Clinton, Governor of New York |
| Place: |
Philadelphia |
| Publisher: |
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| Date: |
Sept. 7, 1780 |
| Item # : |
206454 |
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| Sale Number |
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431 |
| Lot Number |
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10 |
| Sale Name |
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| Americana & World History: Books, Manuscripts & Ephemera from the Library of Calvin P. Otto |
| Sale Date |
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07/01/2010 |
| Price realized |
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$ 2040 |
| (Includes 20% Buyer's Premium) |
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| Description: |
| 2 pp., on 4-page lettersheet, docketed on the last page. 24x19.5 cm. (9½x7¾"). |
| Significant letter from New York's delegate to the Continental Congress, reporting to the governor of New York. "Dear Sir: On my way to Congress I had the Mortification to learn that our Southern Army under General Gates had met with a fatal check near Camden in South Carolina. The particulars are involved in impenetrable obscurity. We wait impatiently for information that we may lay it before the publick..." However, he sees a silver lining, "for if it has the effect of animating Virginia to put forth her strength and great Resources it may eventually prove a benefit..." Furthermore, he sees positive signs from Europe, and even Britain, "...From the papers it is remarkable that both the people and the Parliament talk of the Independence of America as probable: as a Case that ought to be provided for..." He then writes at some length about the primary task, and problem, of the Congress, raising money for the war effort, "the want of money is a fatal Clog to the wheels of Government and exposes us to every species of Insult and Calamity. The necessary Supply chiefly rests with the States. In vain is it to look up to a Congress who have little more power than to advise..." Finally, he notes his own monetary shortfall, as he had to "leave the state unprovided with money for my support. My little private stock has long since been exhausted and I have trespassed upon my Friends as far as Circumstances of the times could justify. There is no supply to be obtained from the publick Treasury: The result therefore is plain: we shall be necessitated to return home in a very few weeks, unless it is in your Excellency's favor to procure for us a speedy Remitance..." James Duane (1733-1797) went on to become the 45th Mayor of New York City, and a judge. |
| Condition: |
| Small chips at lower edge affecting a few words including Duane's signature, else very good. |
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