Morris, Robert

Robert (1734-1806), an American patriot and financier. He was born at Liverpool, England. He migrated to America and entered a Philadelphia merchant's counting room in 1747. At the outbreak of the American Revolution he was one of the wealthiest men in the colonies. He opposed the Stamp Act. He was a member of the Continental Congress of 1775. He voted against the Declaration of Independence, but afterward signed with the other members. During the dark days of the colonial cause Morris was invaluable. He looked after supplies by sea and secured loans and contributions for the use of Congress. On one occasion he raised $50,000 on his own notes for the payment of the Continental troops. He was one of Washington's staunchest supporters. Morris was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution. He declined a cabinet position in favor of Alexander Hamilton. He represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. When the city of Washington was laid out Morris speculated heavily, investing $48,000 in six hundred lots. He undertook to build twenty brick houses a year. He fell into difficulties and was imprisoned for debt.