A "Riot Damages" check, number 5513, issued from the County Treasurer of New York at Broadway Bank, boldly signed by sitting 76th Mayor of New York City George Opdyke (1805-1880), as "George Opdyke" on the upper left signature line. December 9, 1863. [New York, New York.] Also countersigned by three other officers including Matthew T. Brennan, NYC Comptroller from 1863-1867. Endorsed verso. With an X-shaped cancellation mark and other clerical marks near center. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA graded authentic. Expected wear including isolated edge loss or darkening, else near fine. The actual size of the check is 8.125" x 3.625" while the slab measures 12.375" x 5.5." Unslabbed these have sold for up to $900 each!

Mayor Opdyke authorized the payment of $51.50 to Thomas J. Douglas for "damage [caused] by Rioters at 18th Street Station House July 1863." A station house served as the local police headquarters of the neighborhood. 18th Street is located in what is today known as lower Manhattan's Flatiron District.

The 1863 New York City Draft Riots (July 13-16, 1863) was the defining event of Opdyke's tenure as Mayor of New York City from 1862-1864. The catalyst behind the spontaneous yet wide-scale public protests was President Lincoln's new call for Union Army conscripts, and the fact that wealthy drafted men could opt out of service by paying for a substitute. The rioters primarily consisted of working-class New Yorkers of Irish heritage or origin. In addition to the socio-economic tensions inherent in the riots, there was also a strong racial component, as Black residents were perceived as threats to the rioters' economic and social stability. The demonstrations quickly devolved into indiscriminate looting, destruction, and racially motivated killings. It's estimated that over 100 individuals were killed during the Draft Riots, and that property damage topped $1.5 million.

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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