King, Rufus (1755-1827) to Nathaniel Tracy
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04526 Author/Creator: King, Rufus (1755-1827) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 2 March 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Signed secretarially by Rufus King, Elbridge Gerry, and Henry Knox. Discusses the financial situation of Nathaniel Tracy and states that they are averse to taking on the payment of his debt owed to Major Gibbs. They believe that paying Gibbs will lead to Tracy's other creditors expecting payment as well. Will try to stop the proceedings of Gibbs against Tracy and will assist Tracy with expenses while at Hartford. In the hand of William Knox.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
New York March 2d. 1790
Dr. Sir,
The Sudden and unexpected departure of of your express prevented us from writing you on the subject of [his] mission - We cannot but express our warm disapprobation at the conduct of Major Gibbs so far as we are acquainted with the circumstances, and for that reason should be very averse from taking on ourselves the payment of his debt and thus rewarding an act which we are constrained to condemn for this We consider as the inevitable consequence of Signing a bail notwithstanding the opinion of Mr. Edwards to the contrary but we have another objective as it respects your future Situation: if the payment of that Sum would have the desirable effect of liberating you from all your present embarrassments, difficult as it is at this time to pay the Specie we would do every thing in our power to effect it - but the inevitable consequence of paying Mr Gibbs would be the adoption of Similar measures by many of your other Creditors in Expectation of relief from your other friends, and they would be more obstinate in their measures after this Success, of one of your Creditors than otherwise they would be - We therefore are clearly of opinion Mr. Gibbs ought not at all events to be benefited [2] benefited by his manoeuvre, and that now is the time to put a Stop to such a proceeding - We shall be happy to supply with any monies necessary for your expenses while at Hartford, and have written to our friends at Boston to discountenance Mr. Gibbs, [endure] & prevail upon him to abandon
We are Dear Sir
Your friends & Ob. Servt.
R. King
E. Gerry
H Knox
Nathl. Tracy Esqr.
[docket]
New York March 2d. 1790
Nathl. Tracy Esqr.
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