Books and Manuscripts

Morrisania, May 26, 1788. One sheet, 13 x 8 in. (330 x 203 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New York, Lewis Morris, to one of his six sons (likely Lewis V. Morris or Richard Valentine Morris), discussing the transport of a horse: "I wrote you the other day by Saltus and told you that the Govr. Morse was very lame but the next morning he was well in my opinion it was nothing more than a cramp however Capt Saltus cannot take him I believe his reason is that his vessel is too small...Will you consult the Govr whether he would have him sent by way of Phi(l)a(delphia)...it would make me very happy if he could get the horse safe..." Creasing from old folds; light toning; a few small ink stains; light offsetting from when folded. In mat and in frame, 20 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (521 x 394 mm).

Lewis Morris (1726-1798) was born into an illustrious New York family whose grandfather Richard purchased the first tract of land in modern day Bronx, which later became the Manor of Morrisania. When the American Revolution broke out, Morris was elected to the Continental Congress as chairman of the New York delegation, and he became a staunch supporter of independence. In 1776, when warned by his brother Staats Long Morris, a British Army officer, about the repercussions of signing a rebellious document such as the Declaration, Lewis's reported reply was "Damn the consequences. Give me the pen."