Statesman and politician who variously served as aide-de-camp to Washington, member of the Continental Congress, the first Attorney General, and Aaron Burr’s lawyer during his notorious trial for treason. Third person ALS signed “E. Randolph,” one page, 4.75 x 8, January 13, 1792. In full, “E. Randolph with best respects to Mr. Cay. You know, sir, that Mr. Brown and myself adjusted all the notes, to be paid in the funded debt. He promised to withdraw such of them from the bank, as were there; and to put no others in. But I have received notice of one for three hundred and odd dollars. Will you therefore be so good, as to send me a note to the bank, directing them to return the note to you?” Second page bears an integral leaf addressed by Randolph to “Mr. Cay/No. 20 So. Front Street.” David Cay and Andrew Clow were the principal partners of Andrew Clow & Co., an importing/exporting firm based in Philadelphia. The firm owned several ships which traded goods in England, France, Spain, the Bahamas, and ports in the Eastern United States. Both partners died of yellow fever in 1793. Speculation in the government funded debt drove the New York securities market to new highs in January 1792. In very good condition, with creasing and slight paper loss to right edge, intersecting folds, pencil notations to bottom, and some scattered light toning. R&R COA.
