1805-1820 Financial Accounting Manuscript Addressed to \"The Hon. George Read,\" For Sale

The document contains numerous handwritten columns of figures, percentage calculations, and balancing entries typical of early American merchant, banking, or estate accounting practices. Such working financial manuscripts provide an excellent glimpse into the bookkeeping methods employed during the early Republic.

Addressed prominently across the center to The Hon. George Read, the manuscript offers an intriguing connection to one of Delaware\'s most distinguished political families. Additional research may identify the specific recipient and the underlying financial transaction represented by these calculations.

Condition: Original laid paper with expected folds, scattered edge wear, one area of paper loss, and strong manuscript entries throughout.

An appealing piece of early American financial history, ideal for collectors of merchant manuscripts, banking records, Delaware history, and Early Republic documents.

One important question is which George Read this is. If the recipient is George Read II [1765–1836]—the son of the signer of the Declaration of Independence—then the document has collectible appeal because of its association with one of Delaware\'s leading political families. If it can be proven to relate directly to George Read, signer of the Declaration [1733–1798], that would be extraordinary; however, the handwriting and apparent dating seem later than his lifetime, making that unlikely.

Document: Merchant\'s financial accounting sheet / statement of account
Date: Approximately 1805–1820 [estimated]
Addressed to: \"The Hon. George Read,\" New Castle, Delaware
Format: Manuscript accounting sheet with extensive financial calculations

• Original laid paper.
• Heavy contemporary manuscript calculations throughout.
• Central paper loss.
• Edge losses and trimming.
• Original folds.
• Good overall legibility despite wear.