Lot Essay
Captain Samuel Morris was a strong and active supporter of the struggle for American Independence. In 1765 he signed the Non-Importation Resolutions prohibiting trade with Great Britain, and became champion of the quality of colonial goods. Writing to his nephew Samuel Morris, Jr. on May 18, 1765 he declared:
Household goods may be had here as cheap and as well made from English patterns. In the humor people are in here, a man is in danger of becoming Invidiously distinguished, who buys anything in England which our Tradesmen can furnish. I have heard the joiners [cabinet-makers] here object this against Dr. Morgan and others who brought their furnishings with them..." (William MacPherson Hornor, Jr., Philadelphia Furniture, Washington, D.C., p. 81).
Despite his Quaker beliefs, Morris' support of the American cause extended to fighting in the Revolution itself; he became Captain of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse. After the battles of Princeton and Trenton he and his men were commended by General Washington for their service. Washington noted:
Tho composed of Gentlemen of Fortune, they have shown a noble example of discipline and subordination, and in several actions have shown a spirit of Bravery which will ever do Honor to them, and will ever be gratefully remembered by me." (See The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, Vol. 7, Washington, DC, 1932, p. 55.)
After the war, Morris continued as a leader of Philadelphia society, acting as president of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club and governor of the State in Schuylkill Fishing Club.
Morris' sidechair is part of a larger set. Another sidechair from the group is illustrated in Horner, plate 80, while an armchair probably from the set appears in Albert Sack, Fine Points of Furniture (New York, 1950), p. 29.
Household goods may be had here as cheap and as well made from English patterns. In the humor people are in here, a man is in danger of becoming Invidiously distinguished, who buys anything in England which our Tradesmen can furnish. I have heard the joiners [cabinet-makers] here object this against Dr. Morgan and others who brought their furnishings with them..." (William MacPherson Hornor, Jr., Philadelphia Furniture, Washington, D.C., p. 81).
Despite his Quaker beliefs, Morris' support of the American cause extended to fighting in the Revolution itself; he became Captain of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse. After the battles of Princeton and Trenton he and his men were commended by General Washington for their service. Washington noted:
Tho composed of Gentlemen of Fortune, they have shown a noble example of discipline and subordination, and in several actions have shown a spirit of Bravery which will ever do Honor to them, and will ever be gratefully remembered by me." (See The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, Vol. 7, Washington, DC, 1932, p. 55.)
After the war, Morris continued as a leader of Philadelphia society, acting as president of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club and governor of the State in Schuylkill Fishing Club.
Morris' sidechair is part of a larger set. Another sidechair from the group is illustrated in Horner, plate 80, while an armchair probably from the set appears in Albert Sack, Fine Points of Furniture (New York, 1950), p. 29.