[ Autograph ] Eli Whitney Rare A.L.S. "Eli Whitney", 1p. 8vo., New Haven, Feb. 19, 1796 to Timothy Pitkin. In part: '...I find on examining Mr. Nightingale k letters that I am not authorised to give more than 35 percent premium for the stocks for two years... and the interest paid quarterly... If you can procure 8 or 10, 000 Dlrs at this rate, do it - If not, see if you can at any rate - You already 1 have the terms he will give for cash...' Mounted, cleanly split along two folds with a few traces of glue and light toning overall. Signature is unaffected. Accompanied by a letter from autograph dealer Walter R. Benjamin who mentions that he has searched for such a letter for ten years.