Manuscript Letter: Seeking Bank Loan
Georgetown, VA: Feb 27 1832. 10" x 16.25", folded, 1 pp., brown ink on woven period paper. Docketed on the rear, "To The President & Directors of the Bank U. S. Washington". Well written and nicely penned letter is addressed and written to the leadership of the Bank of U.S., optimistically seeking a loan without a defined re-payment plan.
Francis Scott Key (1778 - 1843) was an American lawyer, author and amateur poet from Frederick, Maryland, best known for writing the lyrics for the American National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner". Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 during the War of 1812. He was a leader of the American Colonization Society, which sought to send slaves back to Africa. He was an anachronism, criticizing slavery and giving free legal representation to some slaves seeking their freedom, however, at the time of his death he still owned eight slaves. Fine, minus two ink spots on right margin, flattened mailing folds, tiny close tear at bottom left edge, light fade to right edge, previous bookseller confirmation in pencil. Item #3097
"Gentn. - I wish to borrow from you Institution 3000$ on my note endorsed by Judge Morrell. I would engage to pay 500$ a year of the principal as long as I might wish it continued, & after the first year, a still larger curtail if the Bank should require it. I do not of course offer this proposition as terms to be binding on the Bank - I must pay the note whenever required 0 but without the expectation of some such indulgence, if the convenience of ht Bank should allow it, I should not wish it done. Respectfully yrs /s/ F. S. Key.
Price: $3,500.00