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ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806) Signer of Declaration of Independence; financed the purchases of Washin...

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806) Signer of Declaration of Independence; financed the purchases of Washin...
ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806) Signer of Declaration of Independence; financed the purchases of Washington's Army during the Revolution. LS, "Robert Morris, Chairman of the Secret Committee", 1p, Oct 31, 1776, 8"X4 1/2", Philadelphia, to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, requesting a pilot for a ship. Reads, "...The Ship Mary & Elizabeth Capt Young in the Continental Service is going down the River and will want a pilot. You will please to order one for said vessel..." The Secret Committee was set up in 1775 to deal with obtaining military supplies for the Continental Army, and its activities were a state secret. Its mandate was later extended to cover privateering. During the early days of the Continental Navy, private ships played an important role, as they were fitted out to both transport munitions and to fight British ships. The "Mary & Elizabeth" was undoubtedly such a vessel, and its captain was probably unfamilar with the Delaware River, the route from Philadelphia to the Atlantic. Professionally repaired paper loss at upper corner. Silked on verso. Moderate toning and soiling. Boldly penned and easily read. Letters concerning Secret Committe activities are scarce. $4,000-6,000