American statesman (1752–1816) and signer of the Constitution from Pennsylvania who authored several sections of that document, including the well-known Preamble. He later served as American Minister to France (during much of that country’s Revolution) and U.S. Senator. ALS signed “Gouv. Morris,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 8.75, May 26, 1794. Morris, then American minister to France, writes from Sainport to James Leray, a Frenchman who had married an American woman and was then serving as an American agent in Switzerland. In part: “I receiv’d at the same time your favors of the 11 and 13…. I will answer in reply to that which sends me a copy of a letter from Mr. Constable that I do not like at all his contrivances, neither do I consider myself as being in the least thing comprised within the law of the British Parliament respecting persons resident in this country, as he may easily convince himself by reading that law. Moreover, an attempt to take the money of the United States, subject to my disposition would be an act of downright hostility, and I do not believe the British Government is disposed to an American War. I will write to you further in a few days respecting your mission. At present, I desire you by no means to write on that subject to Mr. Pinkney [i.e., The American Minister to Great Britain, Thomas Pinckney] but rather to go to London and confer with him should your advices concerning Colo. Humphreys attempts render information from Mr. Pinkney necessary, for it is of the last importance to prevent the British Government from discovering your object, although I fear that thru the imprudence of some persons here they have obtained intimations….” The adjacent leaf bears a brief postscript and, on the reverse, the address panel. In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds (short edge separations), staining from seal touching several words, and light show-through of text. The writing is slightly light, but clear and distinct throughout. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
