George Opdyke
New York, December 9, 1863
NY Riot Damage Civil War Mayor George Opdyke PSA Authenticated Signed Check
Signed check

A check boldly signed by New York Mayor "George Opdyke" at lower left as Mayor, dated December 9, 1863, New York. Check, No. 5509, for $40 made payable to Susan Callier "for damage by Rioters at 65 Roosevelt Street July 1863." Countersigned by Matthew Brennan as Comptroller. Endorsed by Callier on verso. Check bearing expected bank cancellation punctures and cuts, with flattened folds and edge toning throughout. PSA slabbed and verified authentic, measuring 8.25" x 3.5", with an overall slab measuring 12.25" x 5.5". Bold and attractive signature.

The 1863 New York City Draft Riots (July 13-16, 1863) was the defining event of Opdyke's tenure as Mayor of New York City from 1862-1864. The catalyst behind the spontaneous yet wide-scale public protests was President Lincoln's new call for Union Army conscripts and the fact that wealthy drafted men could opt out of service by paying for a substitute. The rioters primarily consisted of working-class New Yorkers of Irish heritage or origin. In addition to the socioeconomic tensions inherent in the riots, there was also a strong racial component, as Black residents were perceived as threats to the rioters' economic and social stability. The demonstrations quickly devolved into indiscriminate looting, destruction, and racially motivated killings. It's estimated that over 100 individuals were killed during the Draft Riots and that property damage topped $1.5 million.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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5.5" x 12.5" (slabbed)