(Washington, George / Gratz, Michael). Manuscript ledger of Gratz’s expenses.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

June 30th

Philadephia

1780

Includes entry: "Rec. of Mr. Michal Gratts [Michael Gratz] seventy eight pounds for two men to join George Washington's Army.” Philadephia, June 30th, 1780 and signed [McGaliager?]. * With: Two entries signed by Isaiah Bush "received., of Mr. Michael Gratz …on account for my brother Nathan Bush." One entry dated July, 20th 1780 for 1,000 pounds. The other entry dated August 29th, 1780 for 1,500 pounds.

In the early 1780’s Pennsylvania and the national government was so financially destitute they could not afford to pay their soldiers in the Continental Army. This explains why the Patriot Michael Gratz paid the expense of two soldiers. He also underwrote rations for the soldiers in Pennsylvania. German-born Michael Gratz (1740-1811) immigrated to America in 1759 settling in Philadelphia and then Lancaster, Penn. He and his brother Barnard were traders and supplied the American government with Indian goods, and weapons for the Continental Army. They also underwrote soldiers' rations at Fort Pitt, Penn. Michael was one of the original members of Mickve Israel and served as the Parnas there. His son, Jacob Gratz, served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the State Senate. He was the father of the American educator and philanthropist Rebecca Gratz. Born in Philadelphia, Isaiah Bush (1763-1806) was one of the original members of that city’s Congregation Mickve Israel. (Further details accompanies the lot).