1785 Thomas Russell, Boston signed letter to Nicholas Low, Merchant, NYC, Bank of North America, Straightline & Franklin Mark Cancels

1785 stampless folded letter from Thomas Russell of Boston to Nicholas Low, Merchant of New York City. Straightline Boston handstamp and "Franklin" or Bishop style date (15AV signifying August 15th) style postal markings (pre-adoption of the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Postal Act of 1792), the manuscript rate is expressed in pennyweights and grains of silver; toned vertical fold; also note 1/8 local currency conversion for New York. In this letter Russell is appealing to Low to give a loan repayment extension for Peter Livingston (very likely the son of Robert Livingston who was known for his poor financial management by his father and others). Letter signed by Thomas Russell.

Remarkable Articles of Confederation era postal interaction of these Boston and New York City Federalist financial heavyweights. Both Russell and Low played roles in financing the American Navy during the Revolutionary War and in the eventual leadership of the Articles of Confederation period's Bank of North America from 1781 forwards and the first U.S. National Bank, under 1790 Constitutional authority, in their respective city branches. Both also played roles in advocating for the U.S. Constitution in their respective colonial/state assemblies. Thomas Russell wasa familiar of John Adams and Nicholas Low managed Constitution-signer Rufus King's finances. Complementing correspondence can be viewed online in the Smithsonian archives and several university collections documenting their interactions with Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and others.

More about Low and Russell:

Nicholas Low Biographical Sketch Draft 

Thomas Russell Biographical Sketch Draft