1780 Rev War Bill of Sale Alexandria Hartshorne,John Fitzgerald,Valentine Peers For Sale

Rare 1780 Alexandria Merchant Invoice Featuring John Fitzgerald, Valentine Peers and William Hartshorne

Description:

This is a remarkable original document datedSeptember 26, 1780, from Alexandria, Virginia, during the Revolutionary War era. It is an invoice or account statement issued byJohn FitzgeraldandWilliam Hartshorne, two prominent figures in early American history, for the purchase of barrels of flour weighing 490.375 pounds and valued at£235.10.0. The document provides a tangible connection to Alexandria’s pivotal role in the early American economy and Revolutionary War logistics.

The document is addressed toJohn Fitzgerald & Valentine Peers, two influential merchants in Alexandria, as well as participants in the Revolutionary war, with direct ties to George Washington. The handwritten details capture the essence of commerce during this transformative period in U.S. history.

Historical Significance:

1. John Fitzgerald:

   • A close confidant andaide-de-camp to General George Washingtonduring the Revolutionary War. Fitzgerald not only supported Washington militarily but also maintained a long-standing business relationship with him, purchasing flour from Washington’s gristmill.
   • As a prominent merchant andMayor of Alexandria (1786-1787), Fitzgerald played a significant role in Alexandria’s development. He was instrumental in establishingSt. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, reflecting his dedication to religious and civic life in the city.
   • Like many of his contemporaries, Fitzgerald navigated the complexities of slavery and the burgeoning economy. While he did not leave explicit records of his stance on slavery, his involvement in Alexandria's commerce tied him indirectly to the region's reliance on enslaved labor,specifically the harvesting of wheat and processing of flour.

2. William Hartshorne:

   • A devout Quaker and influential figure in Alexandria’s commercial and civic spheres, Hartshorne adhered to Quaker principles, including opposition to slavery. However, his business dealings, like many in the region, were entwined with the slave-based economy,involving the plantation harvesting of wheat.
   • Hartshorne was a major exporter of flour and wheat and served as thetreasurer of the Potowmack Company, a venture to improve Potomac River navigation and support westward expansion.
   • Hartshorne maintained a strong business relationship with George Washington, regularly purchasing flour from Washington’s gristmill. He is remembered as a key figure in Alexandria’s early economic growth.

3. Valentine Peers:(1756–1830) was an Irish-American military officer, pioneer, and businessman. Born on May 26, 1756, in Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland, Peers emigrated to North America in 1773 at the age of 17.

   Peers joined the Revolutionary Army of Virginia in 1776 and served as a brigade major under General George Weedon. He participated in the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, where he and his men were commended by General George Washington and Major General Nathaniel Greene. On November 19, 1777, Peers was released from service.

   For his military service, Peers was granted 5,333 acres of land. He initially settled in Loudoun County, Virginia, but later moved his family to Mason County, Kentucky, where he became one of the area's earliest settlers. In Kentucky, he operated saltworks, managed cotton mills, and engaged in various business and legal endeavors.

   Valentine Peers married Eleanor Orr and had several children, including John D., Edward, Valentine J., Benjamin O., Henry P., Jane M., Susan E., and Mary Eleanor. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and significant contributions to the early development of Kentucky.

   Valentine Peers passed away on June 6, 1830, in Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky. His legacy remains a testament to his dedication and contributions to his adopted country.

Condition:The document is in excellent condition for its age, with minor wear and faint ink bleed on the reverse side, and several small holes. The handwriting is legible and provides a direct insight into the economic transactions of the Revolutionary War period. This piece is an authentic representation of early American commerce and would be a valuable addition to any collection focusing on Revolutionary War history, Alexandria, or the legacy of George Washington.

Key Features:

• Date:September 26, 1780
• Location:Alexandria, Virginia
• Signatories and Mentioned Figures:John Fitzgerald, William Hartshorne, Valentine Peers
• Connection to George Washington:Fitzgerald and Hartshorne were both business associates of Washington, with Fitzgerald also serving as his aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War.
• Relation to Slavery:The economic context of the document reflects the intertwined relationship between commerce and the reliance on enslaved labor in 18th-century Alexandria.
• Historic Relevance:Captures Alexandria’s role as a key trading hub during the Revolutionary War era.