ALS, one page, 7.25 x 12, 1798. Handwritten letter to Samuel Ward, outlining a proposed loan to Congressman Jonathan Dayton, a signer of the United States Constitution. In 1807, Dayton was arrested for treason in connection with Aaron Burr's conspiracy to establish an independent country in the American southwest. Although Dayton was never tried, his political reputation was ruined.
In part: "The property which I propose to give in security is one hundred and sixty of the Lotts late Bayard's, laying south of, and adjoining to N. Low's and J. W. Wathen's from which they are divided by a street called in Goerck's map—Hudson Street—also sixty other lots adjoining N. Low's on the northwest—J.W.W. informs me that he has sold some of his Lotts adjoining those first mentioned for £100 a Lott. Of these lotts I will mortgage as many as shall be a competent Security for the sum loaned—and will add other property adjoining if the sum should be so much larger than you expected?" Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait and biographical plaque to an overall size of 22 x 20. In fine condition.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*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.
