![[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] HOPKINSON, Francis (1737-1791), Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("F. Hopkinson") to John Brown, Esq., "Secretary to Marine Committee at York," Baltimore, 22 May 1778. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, panel in Hopkinson's hand, with FREE FRANK ("Free") in a different hand, minor soiling to address leaf.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/NYR/2012_NYR_02607_0065_000(revolutionary_war_hopkinson_francis_signer_autograph_letter_signed_to101552).jpg?w=1)
PROPERTY FROM THE FORBES COLLECTION
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] HOPKINSON, Francis (1737-1791), Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("F. Hopkinson") to John Brown, Esq., "Secretary to Marine Committee at York," Baltimore, 22 May 1778. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, panel in Hopkinson's hand, with FREE FRANK ("Free") in a different hand, minor soiling to address leaf.
Details
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] HOPKINSON, Francis (1737-1791), Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("F. Hopkinson") to John Brown, Esq., "Secretary to Marine Committee at York," Baltimore, 22 May 1778. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, panel in Hopkinson's hand, with FREE FRANK ("Free") in a different hand, minor soiling to address leaf.
A RARE HOPKINSON WAR-TIME LETTER, WITH FREE-FRANK. A fine letter reflecting Hopkinson's dual roles as head of the Continental Loan Office (the nation's first bonded debt issue) and as a key member of the Marine Committee, actively engaged in the creation of the American Navy. "Sir, I received your Letter enclosing the Resolve of Congress respecting 600 D[o]ll[ar]s this morning. Mr. Smith has joined our Board [the Marine Committee], & we are preparing to enter on Business. I beg you will send me the Date of the last Certificate for 20,000 D[o]ll[ar]s for the Use of the Navy & let me knoe who is to be credited for that sum in our Books...."
Hopkinson, a distinguished patriot and Signer, author and composer served as Treasurer of the Continental Loan Office in 1778-1781. He also served on the Marine Committee, as noted here, and on the committee charged with the design of the new flag for the U.S.
Only five war-time autograph letters of Hopkinson have been listed in ABPC since 1975, only one with a free frank (a letter in the William E. Simon Collection, sale, Christie's, 14 June 2005, lot 1051, $6,500).
A RARE HOPKINSON WAR-TIME LETTER, WITH FREE-FRANK. A fine letter reflecting Hopkinson's dual roles as head of the Continental Loan Office (the nation's first bonded debt issue) and as a key member of the Marine Committee, actively engaged in the creation of the American Navy. "Sir, I received your Letter enclosing the Resolve of Congress respecting 600 D[o]ll[ar]s this morning. Mr. Smith has joined our Board [the Marine Committee], & we are preparing to enter on Business. I beg you will send me the Date of the last Certificate for 20,000 D[o]ll[ar]s for the Use of the Navy & let me knoe who is to be credited for that sum in our Books...."
Hopkinson, a distinguished patriot and Signer, author and composer served as Treasurer of the Continental Loan Office in 1778-1781. He also served on the Marine Committee, as noted here, and on the committee charged with the design of the new flag for the U.S.
Only five war-time autograph letters of Hopkinson have been listed in ABPC since 1975, only one with a free frank (a letter in the William E. Simon Collection, sale, Christie's, 14 June 2005, lot 1051, $6,500).