BENJAMIN STODDERT

Benjamin Stoddert, the First Secretary of the Navy, Writes to John Nicholson, Robert Morris's Business Partner;/i;

      Stoddert was the first Secretary of the Navy. He fought in the Revolution, and later became a merchant. In May 1798, President Adams appointed him Secretary of the Navy. In his first two years, Stoddert acquired fifty ships to fight the undeclared naval war with France. After the end of fighting with France, he acquired for the Navy thirteen frigates and twelve 74 gun boats. He was also instrumental in starting the Marine Corps. He resigned in April 1801. P BJOHN NICHOLSON/B. Nicholson was a Revolutionary-era Pennsylvania state official. He partnered with Robert Morris in western land speculation that bankrupted both. He was sent to debtor's prison in 1800 and died there shortly thereafter. P ALS. 1pg. 8" x 9 !!". 7 Jany 97. No place. An autograph letter signed I"BBen Stoddert/B"/I to John Nicholson. Stoddert wrote I"I am sorry to refuse your request but I must decline complying with it... BBen Stoddert/B Mr. /I[Uriah] IForrest to whom I have spoken says he cannot engage in this business."/I Nicholson docketed the letter. Stoddert, after the American Revolution, established Forrest, Stoddert and Murdock, an international trading firm. Much like Nicholson, Stoddert engaged in western land speculation but did not fail as spectacularly as Nicholson. This letter may very well have been a reply to an invitation from Nicholson to buy western lands. The letter has a seal tear on the first page and the last words are a bit light, but it is in fine condition