Lot 3325

Description

Treasury Bill by the Depty Commissary General's Office, Sydney New South Wales, 24th October 1817 for pounds sterling 173.11.11 to the order of Henry Colden Antill Handsigned by Deputy Commissary General, David Allen and approved by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. On official 'crown' international parchment with the impressed Seal of the Bank of New South Wales, has been impressed. One of the earliest Colonial Treasury Bills known and of the highest rarity. Fine.

The Commissariat in New South Wales was a branch oif the Army Connisariant under the control of the Treasury in London. It's activities within the Colony were not unlike that of the Reserve bank of Australia today. This treasury Bill would most likely represent an annual payment to Major Antill, who was aide-de-camp to the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, the commander of the 73rd Regiment. The Bill was depositied during the first year of the Bank of New South Wales. Endorsed by Major Antill and Edward S. Hall, the Bank's first cashier. Bills remained in the Bank's cash tim until the next ship sailed to England. This Bill in turn endorsed by Captain Joseph James who sailed the Brig Daphine to Capetown, Cape of Good Hope and traded the Bill for much neede goods to bring to the colony.