Lot #246

Eli Whitney Autograph Letter Signed - "You will act [at] your own discretion relative to the Cotton"

Description

Eli Whitney writes to his brother, instructing him to use "your own discretion relative to the Cotton belonging to me in your hands"

Important American inventor (1765–1825) remembered for developing the cotton gin, revolutionizing agriculture in the American South. ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.25, July 25, 1809. Handwritten letter to his brother, "Josiah Whitney," in part: "Mr. Jonathan Hall has obtain an answer from his son George in the State of N. York informing him that he can take no part in the settlement of his Brother Leverett's Estate whereupon he has delivered to me the inclosed Letters to Judge Davis, to be forwarded to you; so that no obstacle now will probably remain to our immediate settlement of Leverett Hall's affairs…You will act [at] your own discretion relative to the Cotton belonging to me in your hands—do as you would if acting for yourself—ship it or sell it as you may judge most proper." Impressively cloth-matted and framed with a portrait and two plaques to an overall size of 24 x 20.5; the letter is hinged against the backing, with a window in the rear for viewing the address panel. In fine condition, with light staining to the address leaf.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $300.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.