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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01450.541 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1781 |
| Title | James Lovell to Elbridge Gerry about paper money matters, inflation and personal money worries |
| Date | 8 May 1781 |
| Author | Lovell, James (1737-1814) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Discusses fiscal matters in detail, claiming that "Nothing can exceed the Confusion here as to money." Comments on problems related to paying delegates, regarding inflation caused by paper money and the state as paymaster. Using personal examples, he worries he will not be able to provide for his family if he does not use hard currency (coin money) but also is concerned with what effect converting paper money will have on his reputation. Laments that "All the Stuff about Money is contrary to my natural Disposition. I began as early as 19 to have a Contempt of Wealth...This Discussion now therefore is forced upon me against the Grain." Near the end of the letter he warns: "I presume Mass: will not be content to be without a Voice in Congress as some states were for many months." Informs Gerry he has drawn $12,000. At the beginning he notes a personal injury from a fall and in the middle he indicates that he has enclosed other letters (not included). |
| Subjects | Finance Coins and Currency Economics Revolutionary War Congress Continental Congress Government and Civics Injury or Wound |
| People | Lovell, James (1737-1814) Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) |
| Theme | Government & Politics; The American Revolution; Banking & Economics; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |