Description:

JOHN FITCH
(1743-98) American ship manufacturer, he built the first recorded steam-powered ship in the United States. The first successful trial run of his steamboat was made on the Delaware River on August 22, 1787 in the presence of delegates from the Constitutional Convention. Fitch was granted a patent on August 26, 1791, after a battle with James Rumsey, who had created a similar invention. Fitch's idea would be turned profitable by Robert Fulton, decades later. In the autumn of 1777, Fitch sold beer and tobacco to the British...naturally George Washington greatly despised him for this! Rare manuscript D.S. 1p. legal folio, Fredericksburg, Oct. 20, 1778 as a witness to a transaction, a Revolutionary War Bond executed and signed by "John Martin" as Assistant Commissary in the American Army. In part: "...Know all Men by these presents that I John Martin of Charles City County in the State of Virginia am holden and stand bound unto the honorable Henry Laurens Esquire President of the Continental Congress or his successor in office, in the sum of five thousand dollars, to which payment well and truly to be made and done...". Very good condition, with light folds and remnants of rex wax seal at bottom.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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