Description:

THOMAS PAINE
(1737 - 1809) American Revolution political agitator and author on the Pamphlet Common Sense which urged an immediate declaration of independence, issued the periodical Crisis which upheld the colonial cause. Autograph Letter Signed "T Paine", 1p. 4to., Bordentowb, [N.J.], Feb. 27, 1783 to Robert Morris: "I just now reached this place after a most troublesome and fatiguing Journey of bad weather and bad roads and to add to the difficulities of it I feel Ill of a fever which detained me in a little Dutch House destitute of every convenince for ten days. I shall stay in this place a day or twoand hope after that to see you well in Philadelphia - Please to present my Compts to Mr G - M and Mr Livingstone [sic] I am your Obt. Hble Servt. T Paine." With integral transmittal leaf addressed in Paine's hand and endorsed by ROBERT MORRIS at the top: "Borden Town 27 Feby. 1783 Thos Paine Esqr.". Paine, although a highly successful pamphleteer and patriot, who among other things, helped obtain critical loans from France to finance the American Revolution and helped establish the Bank of North America, was nearly penniless at this time. He had sunk most of his savings into a small house in Bordentown in order to be near his friend, Col. Joseph Kirbride. At the time of writing this letter, Paine had likely just returned from Rhode Island where he had been immersed in a controversy over the state's sovereignty. In particlar, he had attempted to urge the state to adopt a 5% duty on all imported articles, payable to Congress, a measure which the state steadfastly refused. The transmittal sheet also bears a note of provenance by Robert W. Landis, Hillsdale, N.J., Nov. 1, 1851: "This letter was presented to me by Miss Sally Morris granddaughter of Robert Morris; & I have consented to part with it to Mr. Davies only with the view of rendereing more perfect his invaluable collection of autographs ..."Landis also adds a note, partially covering Paine's handwriting on the address panel noting that the endorsement was in the hand of Robert Morris. Usual folds, small loss from the seal tear, else very good condition.

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December 9, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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