599. LUTHER MARTIN (1748-1826) American lawyer and patriot, Martin was a member of the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. He opposed a strong central government and the adoption of the Constitution, and later defended Burr in his trial for treason. A.L.S. "Luther Martin", 2pp. folio, n.p., July 18, 1795, writing to an unidentified individual, probably an investor or creditor, concerning the preparation of his ship for a voyage. In small part: "My disbursements in getting my brig ready for sea together with my other expenses... have been so great that I am at this moment really embarrassed for want of about eight hundred dollars. Now sir, as you wish for my services in your suit on the eastern shore, I will make you a proposition. If you can ... procure me eight hundred dollars this day or on Monday before the bank is shut... I will deposit with you as additional security the policy on the freight of my brig, and as one good turn deserves another I will without any other fee or reward appear in your suit and render you every service in my power..." Very good. $150-200