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1810 WILLIAM ELLERY Autographed Letter Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
1810 WILLIAM ELLERY Autographed Letter Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Autographs
William Ellery - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
WILLIAM ELLERY (1727-1820). Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island, graduated from Harvard, Merchant, Clerk of the General Assembly, Naval Officer of the Colony and Lawyer, Collector for the Port of Newport.
November 2, 1810-Dated Federal Period, Autograph Letter Signed, “Wm Ellery” as Collector for the Port of Newport, Rhode Island, on clean fine quality laid period paper, measuring 8” x 6.75”, Very Fine. Light wear to edges, medium tan toning, sharp brown ink, signature 1.5” in length. With Integral Postal Cover with circular date stamp “NEWPORT - NOV 3” being written to David Gelston, Collector of Customs for the District of New York. Here, Ellery expresses concern to Gelston that masters of various packets (ships) sailing between Newport and New York have reported to him that they are not obligated to deliver mail, once it reaches the Custom House, to those other than the owners and consignors of their vessels. In this letter, he believes the opposite to be true and writes, in part: “...I believe the account given me is incorrect. I cannot, however, but wish you would give me early information on this head, that, if the account be erroneous, and repeated, I may, with full confidence contradict it....”. An interesting and better content Letter with insight into the merchants shipping of mail affairs of the early 19th century. Ex: EAHA Auction, Nov. 1, 1997, Lot 157, selling for $665.