1787 · New York
by Sterett, Samuel [Gist, Mordecai]
New York, 1787. Very good, lightly creased, with small splits at the folds, contents faintly soiled.. Bifolium. A splendid four page letter concerning figures from the American Revolution and government as well as discussing business interests and financial problems in Maryland in the period just prior to the adoption of the Constitution, and what would become the first case docketed with the United States Supreme Court. The letter is written by Samuel Sterett (1738-1833) who had been part owner of privateers during the War. He was again a Baltimore merchant, who had served as private secretary to the President of the Continental Congress from November 1782 (until?). The recipient was General Mordecai Gist (1743-1792) who fought in Camden, S.C. in 1780, and gained a victory over the British at Cambahee in 1782. Gist, who had been married to Sterett's sister, though he was now remarried, was at this time in Charleston, where Sterett's ship, The Maryland, had arrived. The ship's Captain was Frederick Folger, who had been a very important privateer out of Baltimore including a stint as Captain on the schooner Antelope, which was partially owned by Sterett and his brother (future Commodore John Rodgers [1772-1838], got his start with Folger and was on The Maryland at this time). The Maryland was owned jointly by Folger with Samuel and Robert Smith, prominent merchants in Baltimore. General Samuel Smith (1752-1838) had defended Fort Mifflin in 1777. They in turn were in business with the Gilmans of N.H., most likely Nicholas Gilman who was later a senator, but then working at his father's trading house (the combined firm would be: Gilman and Smiths). Sterett was in New York on business concerning repayment of Maryland war loans to the Van Staphorsts of Amsterdam (an arbitration was underway with John Jay and Livingston as Maryland appointees, and Rufus King and James Duane as Sterett's choices for his clients). "I have been here two or three weeks on the business of Mrssr. Van Staphorst - It has proved a terrible sacrifice of time indeed-In a few days I hope to be able to return and to have completed the business in a satisfactory manner." He was worried about his goods and ship now in Charleston, and concerned that Folger would use up foreign credits. He hoped Gist could help him out. "Folger may in his distress make use of a liberty I gave him of drawing on D.S. in London, if necessary - This I would now wish to avoid, as I am particularly anxious to support our credit in Europe and wish to leave as much money as possible in the hands of D.S. I would therefore rather answer Drafts here - If it is convenient for you to put Rice on board on our Acct to go on Acct. it will be so much the better - But as we have no right to ask or expect such a favor, if you will still ship we will answer your Drafts, or will assume your debt to Gilman & Smiths." Once the business was out of the way, he discussed current events, and since he was in the capital, New York, he had access to the current comings and goings, some meant to be private: "We have just heard of the death of that great man & minister The Count de Vergennes. The Bishops White & Provost have arrived from England and that distinguished Character Major Franks from France. [Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes (1717-1787) was Foreign Minster in France during the American Revolution. William White (1st Presiding U.S. Episcopal Bishop) and Samuel Provoost (2nd Presiding U.S. Episcopal Bishop) had just been in London to be consecrated. Major (David Salisbury) Franks (1740-1793) was aide-de-camp for General Benedict Arnold, now rehabilitated, and was returning from confidential negotiations connected with the Treaty of Peace and Commerce]. Sterett added a biting remark about the current leadership in the Continental Congress: "The Congress or nobody, except the President, who lives in more splendor than his Predecessors - and the Foreign minister all in all- and a damnable round of dissipation they do keep up" [Arthur St. Clair was President of the Continental Congress and John Jay was Foreign Minister]. Sterett concluded his letter where he began, with war loans made by the Van Staphorsts to Maryland, which the state was not paying properly. "Should Mr. Staphorst business here terminate as I expect it will, we shall I am convinced derive great advantage from a commission with them." Sterett would go on to become agent for the Van Staphorsts that year, and eventually bring proceedings against the State of Maryland, which would become the first case docketed by the Supreme Court (1791) led by John Jay. It was settled out of court the next year. Sterett would not, however, "derive great advantage from a commission with them." He filed for bankruptcy the same year, "His personal property, with the exception of clothing for himself and his family, was deeded to a trustee to be sold to satisfy his creditors" (Maryland State Archives Volume 426, Page 772-3). (Inventory #: 43827)
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