Signed Stock Certificate as President of the North American Land Company
Philadelphia: 1795. Framed item. 21 1/8" x 27" overall. Certificate has mild age toning. Sight measures 8 7/8" x 11 3/8" . Nicely matted and framed. Not examined out of frame.
Robert Morris, the influential financier of the American Revolution and signer of the United States' three most important documents--the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution--here signs a stock certificate as President of The North American Land Company. This certificate is made out to the firm of Bird, Savage, and Bird for six shares in the entire property of the company.
Morris was always a speculator, and this was the scheme that ruined him financially. The North American Land Company controlled millions of acres in the new nation, but when demand failed to meet expectations the company collapsed in 1798 and Robert Morris landed in debtors' prison. His sad situation spurred the genesis of United States bankruptcy law.
Matted and framed with a portrait of Mr. Morris.
Item #819
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