A REVOLUTIONARY WAR-ERA LETTER MENTIONING “MEXICAN DOLLARS” SENT TO JOHN BARRY

JOHN BARRY (1745-1803). Barry was an Irish-American Admiral who fought in the Revolutionary War. He is sometimes called the Father of the American Navy.

DS. 1pg. April 10, 1783. Philadelphia. A bill signed “John Brown”. In the final months of the American Revolution, Brown asked Captain John Barry to pay fifteen hundred “Mexican dollars” to a Nathaniel Barrett. This could refer to either Spanish or Mexican currency, as both were commonly used in America at this time. Spain also helped to finance the American Revolution. “Sir At sight of this my first bill seemed of same hour and date unpaid. Pay to Mr. Nathaniel Barrett or order Fifteen hundred Mexican Dollars and change…Sir your obed servant John Brown to John Barry Esq. Captain of the Frigate Alliance Providence Rhode Island”.  The Navy Board appointed Barry to command the Alliance in 1780.  At the time of this document, the Treaty of Paris had just been ratified but the accord was not yet well known; the Alliance was chased by a British ship.  On March 20, 1783, the Alliance docked at Newport and was safe from British molestation.  There are several signatures and dockets on the back, including one by Marc Lafitte, who may have been a notary (and may have also been married to the famous pirate Jean Lafitte). It is in very good condition with some toning.