Lot
355 
[Revolutionary War] Pittsg. Pa Feb 21, cds on 1800 folded cover addressed to Frederick A. Mulhlenberg, William Nichols & Robert Morris Junr. Esquires, Trustees North American Land Company in Philadelphia; folds splitting, some toning, Fine, an early use of the Pittsburgh Federally issued townmark. Estimate $100 - 150.
Robert Morris (1734-1806), signer of the Declaration of Independence, merchant and land speculator, is best known for his role as financier for the Continental Congress. With the national government virtually bankrupt, Morris risked his own personal fortune by purchasing supplies for the army, pressuring the states for cash contributions and securing a major French loan to finance the Bank of North America. He spent his remaining years in various public positions, including senator of Pennsylvania. Morris speculated extensively in Western land after the war, forming the North American Land Co. with James Greenleaf and Jonathan Nicholson. Soon after, however, the land market collapsed and Morris was ruined. The final blow came in 1798, when a minor creditor’s claim sent him to the Philadelphia debtor's prison.
Realized: $260