American property tycoon (1792-1875) who inherited most of his father John Jacob Astor's fortune. Interesting archive of correspondence concerning a real estate matter, highlighted by three letters signed by William Backhouse Astor, Sr., "Wm. B. Astor," totaling four pages, dated from March 17 to May 22, 1871. First, Astor responds to a letter from Tweed "proposing to purchase the gore lot belonging to me on the Boulevard, between 108th & 109th Streets." He states: "I do not wish to sell this property, in fact I should prefer retaining it, still I will dispose of it for Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars, Cash. I enclose a diagram of the property, and would observe that in case of a sale, I can only give an executor's deed." The diagram is included. In the next two letters, he informs Tweed that "the property is leased until May 1st, 1872" and asks if he intends to complete the purchase.
The additional ten papers in the archive include three secretarially signed true copies of letters by Tweed: one to Astor, informing him that he will accept the proposition; and two to John Brower regarding the matter; two documents regarding a property assessment; and five other letters to Brower regarding the transaction. In overall fine condition, with edge splits to one of the Astor letters.
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