Manuscript DS, signed “Rob't Morris, Presid't,” one page, 6.5 x 8, June 13, 1796. Addressed to a group of six gentlemen, an official letter from Morris as head of the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Company, in part: “The Managers of the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal and Mr. John Mifflin have mutually agreed that you together with a seventh person to be chosen by yourselves shall view Mr. Mifflin's Lands as Fountain Green, in their present State, and after the Canal is finished this then that you estimate his Damage according to the meaning and Intent of an agreement signed by the Parties — They request your Attendance for the first Purpose at Mr. Mifflin’s on Saturday next at ten o’clock.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Robert Morris as company president and countersigned by Jonathan Mifflin. In fine condition, with some light irregular toning. Accompanied by an engraved portrait with facsimile signature and a portion of the document's original frame backing, which bears a label from the Goodspeed's Book Shop of Boston.
Morris founded the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Company in 1792 with the goal of constructing a canal system to connect the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia to the Delaware River, effectively creating a water route to transport goods between the two rivers. This canal system was intended to facilitate the movement of coal, lumber, and other commodities from the interior regions of Pennsylvania to the bustling port of Philadelphia.
However, the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Company faced challenges, both financial and technical. Funding the construction of such a large-scale project was a major issue and Morris struggled to secure enough capital to complete the canal. Ultimately, Morris's financial situation became so dire due to his involvement in various business ventures that he was confined in the Prune Street debtors' apartment adjacent to Walnut Street Prison in 1798. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the canal project did eventually see some success. The Delaware and Schuylkill Canal was completed in sections, and while it never became a major commercial waterway, it did serve as an important transportation route for coal and other goods for a time.
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