BENJAMIN TALLMADGE. Autograph Letter Signed to Lynde Catlin, Litchfield [CT], 23 May 1820. 1½ pages, 9¾" x7¾", plus integral address leaf.

A Revolutionary War officer who had lived in both New York and Connecticut prior to 1776, Benjamin Tallmadge was chosen to head George Washington’s intelligence service late in 1778. The “Culper Spy Ring” that he organized provided the Continental commander-in-chief with important information about British operations and plans in and around New York. Following the Revolution, Tallmadge settled in Litchfield, Connecticut, where he owned a general store, served as postmaster, and was a banker while also investing in land in Ohio and elsewhere. He served as a Federalist Congressman from 1801 until 1817.

In this business letter, Tallmadge writes from Litchfield to the cashier of the New York branch of the Bank of the U.S. “By this Evenings Mail I have rec[eive]d. your Letter of the 20th instant,” Tallmadge states. “I have compared the Statement which You have forwarded with my own Acco[un]t. & find all the Items in your a/c [account] compare precisely with mine so far as they have gone. You mention a deficit in my Cr[edit?]. of $525 from the Amo[un]t. Stated in my last as the balance due me. This is the precise Amo[un]t. of my Int[eres]t. on the Albany Stock, due the 1st instant, which I presume you have omited to receive.

“Since I stated the balance of $2325 due me,” he continues, “I have remited a D[ra]ft on Prime Ward & Sands for $586.25 which will increase the balance to $2911.25. If this should be found to be correct, we will balance our Books accordingly, on receiving Notice from You. Any Check from me, will be debited of Course.” He has concluded, “I am very Sincerely & truly Yours Benjn. Tallmadge.”

The address leaf is addressed in Tallmadge’s hand and has a circular Litchfield postmark.

The address leaf has the usual seal tear; otherwise, the piece is in fine condition. $750.00

 

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