Autographs
Robert Morris a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation & United States Constitution
ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806). Signer of all Three Foundational Documents including: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution; Patriot of the American Revolutionary War, known as "The Financier of the American Revolution," later United States Senator from Pennsylvania.
June 14, 1807-Dated Federal Period, Manuscript Document Signed, "Robt Morris", measuring 7.25" x 2.25", 1 page, no place, Very Fine. Written on laid period paper in easily readable brown ink with a bold near 2" long signature with his flourish below. About a dozen tiny pinholes at center-top which are not visible unless held to a strong light, clean and pleasing in appearance overall. Being a receipt for 20-0-0 rent due for four years occupation of land (since 1797). It reads, in full:
"Received June 14th 1807 of John Geffern Twenty pounds New York Currency in full for four years Rent Due on Lands in his occupation within Mullan pattent over the Ramapough for my self and Mr Delaney - (Signed) Robt Morris - 20-0-0".
Mr. Delaney mentioned is Capt. Sharp Delaney (1739-1799) was an associate and partner with Robert Morris who was a member of the Pensylvania Assembly. No doubt Morris and Sharp Delaney were well acquainted, and likely of the funds received, would have his share go to his son Thomas or family. Sharp was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1774. In 1775-6, he was an active member of committees in favor of American independence and later subscribed five thousand pounds to supply the army. He was a deputy to the Provincial Convention in January, 1775, and to the Provincial Conference in June of the same year. In June, 1776, he raised a company of militia, of which he was Captain, and in 1779 was Colonel of the 2d Pennsylvania Battalion. Colonel Sharp Delany was a personal friend of George Washington and a constant associate of General Anthony Wayne, who made Colonel Delany one of the executors of his will. After the American revolution, he was a member of the legislature of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. On March 15, 1784, Sharp Delany was appointed Collector of Customs under the State of Pennsylvania, and was the first to be appointed to that position at the Federal level by George Washington in 1789, a position he held until his death in 1799. Many of the writings of Sharp Delany survived, including his Revolutionary War orderly book, U.S. Customs letter book, and correspondence with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and General Anthony Wayne, which offer insight into the American Revolution and the birth of the United States.
The Ramapo River in New Jersey is where the Ramapough Lenape Nation of Native Ameerican Indians lived. During the 1775-1783 Revolutionary War, the Ramapough Pass was critical objective for both sides and hence area saw much fighting during war. In 1801 Brotherton Reservation is sold, and the few native Indians in residence leave the state. Lot also includes: Engraving of Robert Morris by J.B. Longacre (1794-1869) who was an American portraitist and engraver, and the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Engraving with a facsimile signature below Morris' portrait, measuring fully 9.5" high x 6" wide. (2 items)
James Barton Longacre (August 11, 1794 " January 1, 1869) was an American portraitist and engraver, and the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 until his death. Longacre is best known for designing the Indian Head cent, which entered commerce in 1859, and for the designs of the Shield nickel, Flying Eagle cent and other coins of the mid-19th century.
Longacre was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1794. He ran away to Philadelphia at age 12, where he became an apprentice in a bookstore. His artistic talent developed and he was released to apprentice in an engraving firm. He struck out on his own in 1819, making a name providing illustrations for popular biographical books.
He portrayed the leading men of his day; support from some of them, such as South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun, led to his appointment as chief engraver after the death of Christian Gobrecht in 1844.
In Longacre's first years as a Chief Engraver, the Philadelphia Mint was dominated by Mint Director Robert M. Patterson and Chief Coiner Franklin Peale. Conflict between Longacre and the two men developed after Congress ordered a new gold dollar and double eagle, with both to be designed by Longacre. Peale and Patterson nearly had Longacre fired, but the chief engraver was able to convince Treasury Secretary William M. Meredith that he should be retained. Both Patterson and Peale left the Mint in the early 1850s, ending the conflict.
In 1856, Longacre designed the Flying Eagle cent. When that design proved difficult to strike, Longacre was responsible for the replacement, the Indian Head cent, issued beginning in 1859.
Other coins designed by Longacre include the silver and nickel three-cent pieces, the Shield nickel, the pattern Washington nickel, and the two-cent piece. In 1866"1867, he redesigned the coins of Chile. Longacre died suddenly on New Year's Day 1869; he was succeeded by William Barber. Longacre's coins are generally well-regarded today, although they have been criticized for lack of artistic advancement.