Discovery Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2012
ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806). Signer of Declaration of Independence; supervised finances of war, largely on basis of his personal credit; established Bank of North America, the oldest in the US; delegate to Constitutional Convention; US senator. Partly printed DS "Rob Morris" as president of the North American Land Company, 1p, 12"x9", Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1795. Stock certificate for one share in the name of Dr. Enoch Edwards, "the Dividend whereof shall not be less than Six dollars, on each Share Annually, conformable to Articles of Agreement..." Boldly signed. Also signed by JAMES MARSHALL as secretary. Signature evidences light offsetting; some ink erosion, especially in first name; and small hole at top margin, both of which have been reinforced on verso and in fornt with tape; occasional edge chipping. This speculative enterprise ultimately failed. Morris was heavily involved in fund speculation, believing that there was a fortune to be made by selling funds such as this example in the growing nation. The demand for land, however, did not meet Morris' expectations, and eventually he was unable to pay his massive debts. He and went bankrupt, spending 1798-1801 in debtor's prison
Click above for larger image.