Autographs
Impressively Signed Robert Morris Financial Document
ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806). Signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, Patriot of the American Revolutionary War and known as the "Financier of the Revolution," United States Senator from Pennsylvania.
May 13, 1796-Dated Federal Period, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “Robt Morris”, measuring 8.25” x 13.5”, 4 pages, Face side printed, reverse with Docket, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Choice Fine. This legal form being a Bond in which Robert Morris binds himself to Jeremiah Parker in the sum of, in part:

“Nine hundred and seventy seven pounds fourteen Shillings Gold and Silver Money at the present current Rates in the said State of Pennsylvania...” Document goes on to read: “... That if the above bounden Robert Morris... shall and do well and truly pay, or cause to be paid, unto the above named Jeremiah Parker... the just sum of Four hundred and eighty eight pounds seventeen Shillings Gold and Silver Money above said in Ten Years from the Date here of together with lawful Interest for the same in like Money...”

Several horizontal folds with deft archivally reinforced splits, and modest expected tone along the folds and left edge margin. Original paper and wax seal intack next to the signature. Witnessed by Garrett Cottinger and James Rees at lower left. All printed text is deep black, sharp and clear while the manuscript portions are easily readable in nice brown handwriting. The most vivid and bold portion is the signature of Robert Morris itself. Measuring nearly 3” long, this signature is in deep bold brown and stands out againt the fine quality period laid paper.
Robert Morris arranged for financing supplies for Washington and his troops, was a member of the Continental Congress, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, founder and organizer of the Bank of North America, delegate to the Constitutional Congress, and U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.

He and his partners speculated heavily in Western lands, believing that Europeans fleeing revolutions would buy, but this did not happen. A minor creditor had Morris arrested and he spent 3-1/2 years in “Prune Street,” the debtor’s prison. He was released in 1801 with the passage of the national bankruptcy law, but died in poverty and obscurity.