ALS signed “E. Gerry,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, March 25, 1789. Letter to respected jurist John Lowell. In part: “I received your letter by Mr. Cutler and enclose one…to Col. Gerry. Our two friends are a little uneasy at each other, but I have no doubt with a little patience we shall be able to unite them on the subject in dispute…. I think it will be expedient for you to enclose my letter to Col. Gerry, after perusing and sealing it, in one from yourself to him, and should my further assistance be requisite inform me thereof. I have appropriated real estate in Boston and Marblehead to pay Mr. Lane his demand against me, but the present scarcity of money renders almost every piece of property unsaleable, and I must therefore defer the payment of the principal till times are altered, an event which I hope is not far distant, and shall be careful in the interim to keep down the interest. I informed Mr. Lane of my intention…and he acquiesced in it; but he afterwards suggested that if I could obtain fish he would take it, and I made the attempt but found nothing to procure it except money. I have in my cellar four demi-johns which I borrowed of you and had bottles washed to draw of the wine before I left home, but was so pressed by other concerns as not to have been able to accomplish it. If you will purchase others in Boston I will order the money to be paid you…or if they can be procured here and you prefer it I will send the number to Boston. Mrs. Gerry joins me…in consoling Mrs. Lowell and yourself on the loss of our amiable friend Mrs. Codman, the news of which was unexpected and gave us a great shock. We shall probably make a Congress tomorrow or next day, and the want of it produces some anxiety in the minds of the members collected…. I think from conferring with some gentlemen of the Senate there is little doubt that you will have such an offer as I flatter myself will secure your residence for a time in this quarter.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (passing through signature), several significant creases, small edge tears at the bottom, and show-through from writing to opposing sides. This letter dates to the opening days of the First US Congress under the Constitution, in which Gerry represented the 3rd District of Massachusetts. By this time, he had amassed a considerable fortune and had invested heavily in real estate and government bonds. The recipient, John Lowell, had represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress and was appointed as a US District judge in 1789. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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