Rodney, Caesar. Autograph letter draft signed, to an unidentified correspondent, 26 July 1774

RODNEY, CAESAR

AUTOGRAPH LETTER DRAFT SIGNED ("CAESAR RODNEY"), CONCERNING THE SALE OF A LAND PARCEL NEAR DOVER, DELAWARE

One page (11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 302 x 182 mm) on paper (watermarked crowned gr), Dover, 26 July 1774, to an unidentified correspondent, with several autograph deletions and revisions, docketed on verso "Copy of Letter"; very lightly browned. Accompanied by a photolithograph portrait of Rodney.

Written just a week before his election to the First Continental Congress, this letter reveals Caesar Rodney acting as a land agent for an unidentified client. Indicating a reluctance to deal with prominent property owner Vincent Loockerman, for whom Dover's main street is named, Rodney can tell his client that he has identified a more satisfactory buyer.

"When you was last at Dover, You Told me you had come to a Resolution to Sell your Land adjoining the Town at Dover, provided you could get a good price for it, and desired my assistance, so far as in my Power. As it always gives me pleasure to serve you, I have not been neglectfull of this your Request, However Could hear of no person inclining to purchase it Except Loockerman; till a few days ago. When a verry good hand, desired I would Endeavour to know of you, Your lowest price, and the money not to Draw Interest untill the first of May next—at which time I do Suppose he intends to pay the Whole money. When at Dover last you was proposing the laying of the Land off into Lotts, to see whether by that method the Sum of fourteen hundred pounds might be got for the Whole, upon this plan I made a Computation, and found I Could not make by them any thing like that Sum, therefore think that method will not Do. Be pleased to Let me hear from you by the bearer, as the person now applying to me will be impatient for an answer and says the price you fix on Will Ditermine him the one or other way."

Condition Report:
One page (11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 302 x 182 mm) on paper (watermarked crowned gr), Dover, 26 July 1774, to an unidentified correspondent, with several autograph deletions and revisions, docketed on verso "Copy of Letter"; very lightly browned. Accompanied by a photolithograph portrait of Rodney.

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.