Thomas Fitzsimons ALS Regarding Large Debt

1p ALS signed by Revolutionary War-era politician Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-1811) as "Thos FitzSimons" at center right. Dated October 6, 1797 and addressed to "John Travis Esqr". On bifold paper with an integral address leaf. Docketed and bearing the remnants of a red wax seal. Expected folds overall, and a 2" long closed tear on the address leaf mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine. 8" x 10".

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"I find you are the holder of a note of mine for 3000 dollars that falls due on the 11th inst the difficulty of raising money at this time is such that I will Esteem it a favor if you will take 1000 dollars + 2 other notes 1 at 45 the other at 60 days for the balance + discounts…"

When Fitzsimons wrote this document, he was serving as one of two American debt commissioners appointed by President John Adams to ensure compliance with the terms of the recently decided Jay Treaty (1795). Fitzsimons was part of a 5-person mixed American and British panel tasked with investigating the pre-Revolution debt claims of British subjects against Americans.

Thomas Fitzsimons, an Irish émigré who began as a humble Pennsylvania counting house clerk, mobilized a militia during the Revolutionary War. Fitzsimons's unit was dispatched to the New Jersey coast and held as reserve forces at the Battle of Trenton (1776). Later, as a member of the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, Fitzsimons organized money, ships, and supplies for the war effort. By the 1780s, Fitzsimons became interested in politics. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783 as well as the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Fitzsimons was one of two Catholic signers of the U.S. Constitution. Between 1789-1795, Fitzsimons became one of Pennsylvania's first U.S. Congressmen. In later life, Fitzsimons headed the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce as well as the Bank of North America. He was also a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, and a contributor to the College of Georgetown.

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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