AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED FROM ANTHONY WAYNE (Savannah, GA, 4 March 1791)

1791. 9" x 7.5." Writing on recto and verso. Near fine. A very nice example of an ALS by General Anthony Wayne. Wayne was an instrumental part of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, entering the fray as a colonel and at the conclusion of war, a major general. It is difficult to overstate Wayne's contribution to the American cause. After the war he served two years in Pennsylvania General Assembly and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1791 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia, serving in that role until his death in 1796. Interestingly, this letter addressing a financial matter was written the day he took his seat in Congress. One might imagine he was using his new position to put some additional authority behind his request. This letter appears to be addressed to Congressman Joseph Clay. Oxford American National Biography.

Transcribed in full: "Savannah 4th March 1791 / Dear Sir / I was favored with yours of the 2nd inst. inclosing an acc[oun]t current; you will please to recollect that the bill drawn upon you by Capt. Thomas Mason for Sixteen Hundred Dollars was presented for acceptance about the latter end of Jan[uar]y 1785, & that the reason for its not being noted for protest & afterwards receiving the amount in small payments at different & distant periods, was to accommodate you, altho' at a considerable loss & disadvantage to myself; however that business is now done with; & I take the liberty to send you a proper statement of that transaction together with the balance. I am Sir, Your most ob[edient]t / Gent Ant[hon]y Wayne / vide / Jos. Clay Esqr." And the verso reads: "N.B. the true cause of this bill not being accepted when first Presented was dispute between you & Young Sykes -- what proportion each should pay his brother having endorsed the bill in Philadelphia -- so that in fact there ought to be a balance in my favor." Old folds and signed on what is the outside when folded: "Gen'l Wayne / a distinguished / Gen'l of the American / Revolution.