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“Black Sam” Fraunces as Steward of First Presidential Household—Rare Document Signed by Hero Who Prevented Washington’s Assassination |
Click to enlarge:
“... for the Household of the President ...”
In British-occupied New York, Fraunces was impressed into the service of British officers. While doing so, he was able to help feed American captives, provide information to American troops, and thwart an assassination plot against Washington.
Documents signed by Samuel Fraunces, the famous Revolutionary War tavern keeper, are exceptionally rare.
[GEORGE WASHINGTON.] SAMUEL FRAUNCES.
Manuscript Document Signed, with the text likely penned by presidential secretary Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., March 10, 1794, Philadelphia, PA. 1 p., 6 x 3¼ in.
Inventory #27321
Price: $22,000
Samuel Fraunces (ca. 1723-1795) arrived in New York City from the West Indies by 1755, receiving a tavern license in 1756. In 1762, he purchased the Oliver Delancey mansion at Pearl and Dock Streets, which became known as the Queen’s Head, and ultimately Fraunces Tavern. In 1765, he rented it out and moved to Philadelphia, keeping a tavern there until he returned to New York in 1768. During the Revolutionary War, his tavern served as a meeting place for the New York Provincial Congress and was damaged by an August 1775 bombardment by a British ship.
While the city and his tavern were under British control, Fraunces discovered a plot to assassinate General Washington and foiled the attempt. He also provided food, clothing, and money for American prisoners held by the British during their seven-year occupation of New York City.
In 1783, Washington bade farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern. In 1785, Fraunces sought compensation from Congress for his services to the American cause, and was awarded £2,000. When Washington arrived in New York as the first President of the United States, Fraunces came out of retirement to serve as steward of the presidential household. After dismissing Fraunces in February 1790, Washington convinced him to return to manage his household in Philadelphia from May 1791 to June 1794. For the final months of his life, he operated a tavern in Philadelphia.
