PT Barnum Files Suit Against General Tom Thumb's Tutor

2pp, measuring 7.875" x 12.5", New York, dated May 12, 1853. A Supreme Court of the City of New York legal suit, filed against George Cipricosigned "Phineas T Barnum" at the conclusion. The document has flattened folds with some separations starting at some folds. Toning in places. Boldly signed. Reading in part:

"Phineas T. Barnum the above Plaintiff respectfully shows to this court that on the 17th day of May 1849 in the city of New York the above Defendant George Ciprico made his certain promissory note in the following words & figures to wit '$100 On demand for value received I promise to pay P.T. Barnum or order one hundred dollars…' …on the said demand the Defendant paid the sum of fifty dollars & failed and refused to pay the balance due… The Plaintiff further says that on the 18th day of September 1850 at the aforesaid place the Defendant made another promissory note…the Defendant failed to pay the same…" 

It was also around this period that Barnum began investing in the development of East Bridgeport, Connecticut. He made substantial loans to the Jerome Clock Company in order to entice it to relocate to his new industrial area, but the company went bankrupt by 1856, taking Barnum's wealth with it. Thus began a four-year period of litigation for Barnum himself, accompanied by great public humiliation.

George Ciprico was Charles Stratton’s tutor, although it appears he was later replaced by a Mr. Sherman. Stratton, better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb" was a dwarf who achieved great fame as a performer under circus pioneer Phineas T. Barnum. Stratton was introduced to Barnum at the age of five and was taught to sing, dance, mime, and impersonate celebrities of the day. He toured Europe for a number of years with Barnum and performed at the American Museum, marking a turning point in freak show entertainment.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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