Beschreibung:

ALS, 3pp, 1838. James Ronaldson was a famous businessman and friend of Thomas Jefferson In the collection of Jefferson letters there are numerous examples of correspondence between the two men. It seems he was offered a position on President Andrew Jackson's cabinet as well, which he declined. He and his business partner Birney were the owners of the first American type foundry and invented the first truly American typeface. They also originated the "$" symbol for printing. Ronaldson and his partner actually used the printing press that Benjamin Franklin had shipped from France and later Ronaldson became the President of the Franklin Institute. Ronaldson was known for opposing paper currency and for being in favor of gold and silver coinage, which is what this letter discusses. He is writing his PA U.S. House Representative expressing grave concern about paper currency. He says the "peace and order of the country is endangered." He also states that in every instance when gold and silver is made less pure or lighter in weight that these malpractices along with making money out of paper have been followed by trouble but that he hopes it is so slow in happening that he will be in a better world so that he does not the experience the mortification of seeing it. He believes the remedy is in the hands of His majesty the people and that the people must elect the right kind of people but they are misled and surrounded by hypocritical flatterers and seduced by all sorts of trickery. The letter also discusses public education and that parents should be helping to pay for their children's education. Condition: Very good