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

25243

Steven Girard Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Steven Girard Autograph Letter Signed
<B>Steven Girard Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Stephn Girard</B></I>". Two pages, 7.5" x 9", Philadelphia, October 26, 1789, to a Samuel Myers, a merchant in Petersburg, Virginia. In part: <I>"...I intended to ship to you some spice by Captn Knox, but been at that time very busy & and having no assistance...could only send by that opportunity One Thousand Dollars, which I had promised to Mr. Douglas in a joint letter signed by me...that by the first safe convayance [sic] I will send you One Thousand Dollars in Spice...</B></I>" Girard talks about wheat crop contracts and the price of coffee. Interestingly, Girard made most of his money in 1782 when a group of merchants placed their holdings aboard his ship during the Haiti insurrection and they were all killed. This left Girard with about $50,000 worth of goods that he was able to sell and reinvest. During the Revolution he provided substantial financial support for the American cause. Girard loaned some $5 million to the fledgling nation. His home in South Philadelphia remains, and the college he founded for fatherless boys is now open to girls as well. Fine condition.
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