LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25253

Signer Benjamin Harrison V War Date ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:225.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Signer Benjamin Harrison V War Date ALS
<B>Declaration Signer Benjamin Harrison V War Date Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Benj. Harrison</B></I>". Two pages, 6.5" x 8", foldover lettersheet, Virginia, January 14, 1779, to Jonathan Hudson. A fine letter requesting that he be sent "<I>…by the first oppy. either to this or York River the necessary Iron for a set of Rudder Irons for a single deck'd Brig of about 140 Ton. I expect she will be finished early in May...and that she will be one of the finest and fastest sailing Vessels ever built in America.</B></I>" He then gives her dimensions, adding "<I>...she is very shallow in the waist but is to have stantients for 18 Guns, all of which she will carry compleatly.</B></I>" With pride he asserts of the Brig, "<I>...a better you may depend on it can't be got.</B></I>" He pleads for news, asks that newspapers be sent him. He suggests that the Iron be sent either to Mr. Beale at Williamsburg, or to Carter Braxton (another Declaration Signer). In March, 1776, Harrison had been placed on the marine committee, and so played an important part in the formation of the Navy Department. Both his son and great-grandson would later become president. Good condition with a few water stains, old repairs, and fold weakness; a particularly desirable letter with the war date. Originally purchased in 1954 from Walter Benjamin Autographs. <I>From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I>
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