Collection Guide
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Morris (Robert) Collection
mssMorrisr
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Robert Morris collection
Creator:
Morris, Robert, 1734-1806
Identifier/Call Number: mssMorrisr
Physical Description:
10 Linear Feet
(8 boxes and 1 envelope)
Date (inclusive): 1774-1837
Abstract: Papers belonging to 18th century American merchant Robert Morris.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Robert Morris papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The original letters were purchased from the Marsh sale (Anderson Galleries), Thomas F. Madigan, Charles Sessler, and George
D. Smith, 1919-1925. The typescript copies were acquired from M. A. Bromsen, May 1960.
Robert Morris (1734-1806) was an American merchant known as the "financier of the American Revolution." He was a native of
England and immigrated to America in 1747. In 1754, he formed a partnership with Thomas Willing, a Philadelphia merchant,
and by the early 1780s had been recognized as one of the most successful merchants in the nation. He served as a member of
the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1778, superintendent of finance from 1781 to 1784, a member of the U.S. Constitutional
Convention in 1787, and Senator of Pennsylvania from 1789 to 1795. His extensive land speculations ultimately ended in bankruptcy.
Morris was in debtors' prison from 1798 to 1801 and never recovered his fortune.
Collection of personal and business correspondence of Robert Morris. The collection was assembled at the library from items
purchased from various dealers from 1917 to 1925. Included is business correspondence between the firm Willing, Morris & Co.
and Richard Champion, a Bristol merchant; Morris's letters to Nathanael Greene; family and personal correspondence; and papers
related to the litigation involving the estate of Richard Champion, the heirs of Robert Morris, and the State of South Carolina,
from 1825 to 1837. Also included are typescript transcripts of letters pertaining mainly to the business affairs of Robert
Morris from 1759 to 1799.
Processed by Huntington Library staff. In 2022, Brooke M. Black created a finding aid.
Arranged chronologically.
Former call number: mssMorris papers.
Letters to Nathanael Greene were transferred from the Collection of papers of Nathanael Greene.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Merchants -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
United States -- History -- 18th century -- Sources
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
Business records -- United States -- 18th century
Estate records -- United States -- 18th century
Letters (correspondence) -- United States -- 18th century
Champion, Richard, 1743-1791
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Willing, Morris & Company
United States. Continental Army -- Procurement