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Item Number: DM4051

The Letter: 1844 letter from Durham, Greene County, NY postmaster concerning the partial loss of registered notes. 

Addressed to “Wm. W. Van Zandt Esq./ Register/ Albany” and dated “Durham, Jan 18, 1844” this stampless cover is franked “free Platt Adams/ PM” in the upper right corner and is also stamped “free” in two places. A blue circular date stamp has the printed name “Durham” and a manuscript “19th Jan’y” inside the circle.  Since Platt Adams was the Durham postmaster, he had free franking privileges.

The letter concerns the discovery of trunk with partial contents and a loss of registered notes (probably banknotes or stock certificates) by burning. Adams notes that he has written to Mr. Thompson “…to procure such tesatimony as to the loss…” and further notes that he expects to be in Albany the following week.  He hopes he can collect replacement notes from Van Zandt at that time.  In a P.S., he remarks, “ I hope you will give me $1900 instead of the $1800…I believe the stock will warrant it.”

A few creases and tiny holes where the letter was folded for mailing. In excellent condition overall. Size: overall 10" high x 15 3/4" wide, folded. Letter, written on one side, is 10" high x 7 7/8" wide.

Background Information: Platt Adams was one of the early 19th century “public men” of Greene County, New York.  He was elected to the Greene County legislature in 1820, served as Durham town clerk from 1821 to 1824 and as town supervisor from 1825 to 1828.  He became county sheriff in 1828 and served till 1830.  He also was elected to serve as a New York State Senator in 1848 and 1849.  While not otherwise engaged in business pursuits, he served as commander of the 49th NY Regiment, with the rank of Colonel.

Adams was born 20 December 1792 in Greene County, NY, the son of Joseph Adams (ca 1738 – 1832) who had come from Massachusetts and settled in town of Durham about 1800.  He married Clarissa Dudley and was father of Brooklyn lawyer and judge Grovener Adams, who died in 1883.  His brother John Adams was an attorney who also served as a US congressman.

 

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