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Two c. 1815 National Lottery Circular Letters and a Lottery Ticket

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Paper Money - Colonials Start Price:240.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 500.00 USD
Two c. 1815 National Lottery Circular Letters and a Lottery Ticket
Colonial Lottery
1815 Establishing A National Lottery Washington, DC
1815-1822, Lot of Two Circular Letters about a National Lottery and a Lottery Ticket, Lot of 3, Washington, DC, Fine-Very Fine.
Interesting letters discussing the establishment of the Congressionally authorized National Lottery--one of which is Signed by the Mayor of Washington, DC, William Brent. This Lot Includes:

1. August 24, 1815-Dated, Manuscript Letter Signed, “Wm Brent. Presdt.,” on watermarked, fine quality period paper, 10” x 8” which reads, in part:

“To the Publick. In virtue of powers visited by Congress in the Corporation of Washington City, they have passed a law authorizing a Lottery or Lotteries to raise the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars, clear of all expenses, for the laudable purposes of building two... school houses, a Penitentiary, and a City Hall. The Lottery or Lotteries are to be drawn in this City under the management of Mssrs. John Davidson, Thomas H. Gilliss, Andrew May, Jr., Moses Young, William Brent... who have given Bonds with surety to the Mayor and Corporation in the sum of Seventy Thousand dollars, for the faithful discharge of the duties and powers confided to them. The board of Managers have appointed William Brent their President...” This Letter has staining in each of the corners, mounting remnants on the back, and minor ink stains.

2. October 2, 1822-Dated, Portland, Autographed Letter Signed, “Geo Hill” on period paper with Integral Mailing Leaf, measuring 12” x 7.25” being written to Thomas Spear of Alexandria, regarding a “quarter ticket in the National Lottery” as part of a settlement, in part: “... this is better than nothing but was not so much as he ought to pay - The ticket you may enclose me by Capt. Delano or some of the ... vessels that belong here and direct your letter to care of William Oxnard and I shall be more likely to get it sooner...” Letter with heavy stain along two folds, and wear to address leaf, but the writing is legible, and the content is interesting.

3. (Feb. 1821) “NATIONAL LOTTERY... FIFTH CLASS”, “One Quarter” ticket issued “By Authority of Congress” and Signed by “D. Gillespie” on the front, 2.5” x 5”, entitling the possessor to one quarter of the Prize that may be drawn. Penciled notation on the back suggests that the ticket was involved in a lawsuit. Outstanding original Lottery materials, related to the nation’s capitol.

Ex: James DuPont Collection of U.S. and Foreign Lottery Tickets, Smythe, April 8, 1993, Lot #116. (3 items)