Gerry, Elbridge, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts

Autograph letter signed ("E Gerry"), 7 pages (8 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 215 x 180 mm), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3 November 1791, to [his wife Ann Thompson Gerry] who has docketed it "my ever dear E Gerry" on last page verso; formerly folded. Red half-morocco clamshell box.

Vivid picture of social life and gossip in the temporary capital.

Serving as Massachusetts representative to the Second Congress, then held in Philadelphia, Gerry writes an informative letter to his wife (herself a New York socialite before their marriage), with capital gossip and a report of dinner with President Washington. After a few personal requests and news of his health, he writes "The above I wrote in the House of Rep. & from thence went to dine with the President, who is very friendly. There were the Earl of Wycomb, a number of Gentlemen of the Senate, & the following ladies, Mrs. Cabot, Mrs. Lear, Miss Butler & Miss Wadsworth. The first I think is an ordinary piece of household stuf. I did not know her, untill enquiring of Cabot for his wife he informed me she sat next to Mrs. Washington. Mrs. Lear was very particular in her enquiries for you & why I had not brot you ... she looks very pretty ... Miss Wadsworth is tolerably pretty but does not appear to be much used to company ...

"Dear little Miss Custis was there & looks thin, owning as she informed me to her having had the fever & ague at Mount Vernon. Her little brother had been confined 20 days with a fever & like to have dyed ... Not being able to obtain a hackney, I walked from the Presidents, almost a mile, after fortifying myself with some excellent wine ... On Saturday I am to dine at Mr. Williams. General Knox sent an invitation but I was engaged ..."

Accompanied by two incomplete autograph letters signed, also written to Ann, 6 February 1792 (with 5 of 9 pages) and 21 July 1814 (lower margin shaved with loss of text), and transcriptions of 23 Gerry letters, in the hand of his daughter Emily, the originals dating from 3 August 1776 - 26 January 1801.

In all, 2 boxes and a looseleaf in a slipcase.