Colonial FL West (British)

 

 

002 (2)

177_ Colonial Pensacola Note
B47 C2 Plate Note

Little is known about this Colonial Pensacola note other than there being two, one inĀ green color ink (listed above) and the other in Salmon color ink

According to Daniel Cassidy’s book “During the 1770’s Pensacola was serving as the capital of West Florida under British rule, an issue of paper money was prepared. Nothing of substance is known about this issue. Two notes of different styles and colors exist. Both printed on upon stock manufactured by H.M. Company of Stationers of London England. Neither existing note has been signed or issued. It cannot be ascertained who commissioned the notes, or for that matter, if any notes were actually tendered. Harley L. Freeman theorized that the 2 notes were printed for Panton, Leslie and Co. This is very probable since historic firm was the only business firm of any consequence operating in Florida during the 1770’s. Panton, Leslie and Co., headquartered in Pensacola, enjoyed a monopoly in trading with the Indians. The multifaceted firm acted as an importer and exporter, in addition to being local merchants and buyers. They provided the only financial and banking services available in Florida. When Florida was returned to Spain in 1783, Panton, Leslie, and Co., swore alliance to the Spanish authorities and was allowed to continue its profitable activities. After the death of William Panton in 1801 the firm became John Forbes and Co.”

Ron Benice says in his book that “These are blank promissory notes. They were transferable since they were payable to bearer, as would be a check payable to bearer or cash. However, they lack all other attributes of scrip: There is no name of an issuer and no denomination. Panton, Leslie, and Co., frequently mentioned as the likely “issuer”, was not formed until 1783 and did not open a trading post in Pensacola until 1785. These notes are significant as surviving relics of Colonial Florida.”

Harley L. Freeman mentions in his book little information, only that there are two unsigned, undated, unnumbered notes.

 

 

 

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