JOHN
JACOB ASTOR and ALBERT GALLATIN. Autograph Document Signed
by Albert Gallatin, New York [NY], 30 May 1816, with an Autograph Endorsement
Signed by John Jacob Astor on the verso, no place, no date. 2 pages,
4¾” x 7¾".
A document combining the autographs of two major figures in the history
of American business and finance. John Jacob Astor, the German-born
American financier, made a fortune in the fur trade and later in Manhattan
real estate, becoming the most prominent businessman of his day. The
Swiss-born Albert Gallatin developed expertise in government finance
while a Pennsylvania Congressman, served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
under both Jefferson and Madison, and then had a long diplomatic career.
He and Astor were long-time friends, and during the War of 1812, Astor,
at Treasury Secretary Gallatin’s request, helped the U.S. government
sell $10 million in bonds to finance the war.
On one side of this document is a pay order written out and signed by
Gallatin. He directs the Cashier of the Bank of Pennsylvania to “Pay
to the order of John Jacob Astor four hundred and fifty six dollars
& eighty three cents.” He has then signed in full, "Albert
Gallatin.”
On the reverse side, Astor has endorsed the order over to another individual;
he has written, “Pay to order of Tho. Jaanoff Esq. John Jacob
Astor.” Jaanoff’s endorsement signature is below Astor’s.
The document is in very good condition.
A
fine and unusual association of two important names in U.S. financial
history. $2000.00
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