1827 GERRIT SMITH Signed LETTER about LAND for Sale/PETERBORO NY--ABOLITIONIST!

Description

Manuscript letter (sheet 7 ¼” by 8”) written by Gerrit Smith of Peterboro, New York, and sent to Elijah Whitney of Davenport, New York, dated May 30, 1827. Gerrit Smith (1797-1874) writes about farm land he had offered to sell Elijah Whitney (1790-1870) when they had talked the previous day. Smith tells Whitney that he would like to sell him the land for a price that would suit them both, for less than the eight dollars per acre he had told him. He offers him the option of planting the land with winter grain on shares. This land was likely near the farm Elijah Whitney owned at Davenport in Delaware County, perhaps part of the substantial property that Gerrit was managing for his father, Peter Smith. The thirty year old Gerrit Smith already owned 18,000 acres of land himself in Oneida County at this date, but his holdings paled in comparison to the more than half million acres owned by his father in all parts of New York. It would still be many years before Gerrit Smith became notorious for his advocacy of reform movements like temperance and abolition. His support of the abolition movement and work with the Underground Railroad would culminate in a close relationship with John Brown—a relationship that nearly resulted in Smith’s prosecution as an accessory to Brown’s treasonous attack at Harper’s Ferry. Gerrit Smith would also lend his support to the cause of women’s rights, a movement that his cousin Elizabeth Cady Stanton played a prominent role in. Smith closes his letter to Whitney with Your friend & well wisher, G. Smith of Peterboro. Elijah Whitney would have more land dealings with Gerrit Smith ten years later, corresponding about the matter with Federal Dana, who worked as a clerk for Smith. The short letter is in good or better condition with only light wear and soiling. Note the folds and the remnant of a wax seal. I will send the letter out in the folded position. Very nice early signed Gerrit Smith letter!