Deane, Silas

Autograph letter signed ("S. Deane"), 2-page bifolium with integral address leaf (90 x 7 1/2 in.; 225 x 190 mm), Paris, 30 September 1776, to Robert Morris; letter is inlaid in a mat. 5 labels of the Belnord Art Galleries anchored to margins, one fold separation, one small hole on address leaf.

The Deane Papers,  I:286-287; cf. Letters of Delegates to Congress 1774-1789, 4:146-149, 154-155 (Robert Morris to Silas Deane 5-6 June 1776) 

Autograph letter signed ("S. Deane"), 2-page bifolium with integral address leaf (90 x 7 1/2 in.; 225 x 190 mm), Paris, 30 September 1776, to Robert Morris; letter is inlaid in a mat. 5 labels of the Belnord Art Galleries anchored to margins, one fold separation, one small hole on address leaf.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Managing business and commerce during the War for Independence. In March 1776, Congress selected Deane to go to France—the first American to represent the united colonies abroad. He was attached to two separate committees of Congress, one secret, the other commercial. He was authorized to buy colonial produce  with money furnished by Congress, sell it abroad, and invest the proceeds in supplies needed by the colonies. The Committee of Secret Correspondence instructed Deane to buy clothing and arms for 25,000, as well as munitions and artillery. He was to secure these on credit if possible. In this letter he complains to Robert Morris that Congress has not been forthcoming with monies. "Mess^rs Clifford & Teysett & M^r Hodgson, of Amsterdam, have rec^d next to nothing, about Two Hund^d p^ds by y^r last acc^t from y^e latter y^e former had red nothing from which you will perceive not one-third the sum proposed has come to hand ... To sollicit arms, Cloathing, & Tents for Thirty [thousand] men, 200 Brass Cannon Mortars & other stores in proportion & to be destitute of one shilling in money exclusive of the fund of 40,000  £ Stg ... left me in a critical situation: to let slip or to let such an object suffer for want of ready money would be unpardonable "

Deane stresses that to establish credibiity with the merchants, payment to them must be timely: "I have discoursed wtih some of the Persons to whom I had before proposed such a scheme, and I think it will take well, but as men of Property must be engaged it will be of importance that the remittances be made punctual." Certain commodities were so scarce in the colonies, such as woolens, linens, pins and needles, Morris instructed Deane to purchase these on account to be sold at premium price (and therefore a profit). The merchants would receive their remittances quickly and Congress would benefit from the windfall.  

In spite of the present situation, Deane succeeded in securing eight shiploads of military supplies which arrived in time to be of vital assistance to the Saratoga campaign.