Rare ALS, signed "Thomas Paine," one page both sides, 7.5 x 9, May 23, 1802. Addressed from the Parisian village of Plessis Piquet, a handwritten letter to Fulwar Skipwith, the American consul in Versailles, which finds Paine seeking financial advice for a friend in France who is about to invest in an American bank. The letter, in full: "My friend Tenebio at whose place I now am, has directed his Banker in London, Hemmersby, to invest the balance of accounts due to him, in American Bank shares which he has done, and in his letter to him of April 30 says 'We are about to send the necessary deeds to America to have the Stock transfered in your name. The interest thereon may be received there, in Amsterdam, or in London as best suit yourself, but we wish to have your directions that we may give our orders accordingly and at the same time.' Is it necessary to find the original deed to America, or an attested copy of it? Should the original deed rest in the hands of Tenebio? If an attested copy be sent, can more than one be sent, in case of accident, as is done in 1d. 2d. 3d. bills of Exchange. Be so kind to give me your opinion upon this case, and add a word of American news if you have any. When you are mounted on your Rosinanta and can make a stretch thus far we shall be glad to see you. You can tell us what pigs and cows are worth as Tenebio is going to buy some. Give my compts to Mr. Purveyance." In fine condition, with a thin old mounting strip along the left edge of the first page, and seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf affecting no handwriting.
At this time, the U.S. banking system had just undergone a number of sweeping changes, chiefly of which was the expansion of state-chartered banks. From 1801 to 1811, the number of state banks rose from 30 to 88, while their total capital increased about three-fold. Investment in these banks was very profitable, especially for foreigners who enjoyed a stronger national currency. Though Paine was eager to solicit financial advice for his benefactor, his own financial affairs were quite tenuous. He returned to the United States in the fall, but branded an atheist for his most thoughtful work, Age of Reason, he died alone and in a state of poverty.
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