Banknotes aren't my thing, really, but personal connections to Plattsburgh, NY led me to accumulate several early 19th century obsolete notes from that city. As is formulaic, these Bank of Plattsburgh notes promise "to pay (name) or bearer" so many dollars, etc.

What caught my attention were the "names." They include "H. Clay," "H. Gates," and "Thos McDonough," the last apparently being Thomas Macdonough, hero of the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh. H. Clay and H. Gates I take to be Henry Clay and Horatio Gates, the latter also having a local connection as victor at Saratoga in the Revolution. Sometimes the names are on the plate, sometimes handwritten.

Was invoking names of national figures done to promote acceptance of the notes? Is this a recognized practice among banks of the era? I first thought the Macdonough notes were part of a gift to him by public subscription (many victorious commanders were given lavish gifts, but cash?). What then of the other names? Horatio Gates was dead (1806) by the time the notes with his name were issued in in 1818 - 1824.

I also have ten dollar notes of The Manufacturers Exchange Company of Bristol CT invoking "S. Decatur" and "T. Macdonough." This Macdonough note carries an issue date of Sept. 20, 1814, just 9 days after Macdonough's victory at Plattsburgh!

To close, some details about Bank of Plattsburgh: Niles' Register of July 24, 1819 -

Then on July 31, 1819 -

And on Dec. 31, 1825 -

I'm attaching pictures of two notes - names highlighted.