98

JOHN NIXON Autograph Letter Signed, 1st to Read the Declaration of Independence!

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 600.00 USD
JOHN NIXON Autograph Letter Signed, 1st to Read the Declaration of Independence!
Autographs
Historic “John Nixon” Autograph Letter Signed 1st to Read the Declaration of Independence Publicly in Philadelphia!
JOHN NIXON (1733-1808). First to Read the Declaration of Independence Publicly in Philadelphia from the steps of the State House on July 8, 1776, Chairman of the Committee of Safety, and Revolutionary War Military Officer.
(1783), Autograph Letter Signed, “John Nixon”, on fine laid paper, no date or place, measures 6.25” x 8”, tipped to a display sheet along its edges to 7.75” x 8.5”, Choice Very Fine. Noted as addressed to John Nicholson, Esq., it reads, in full:

“Dr. Sir - I had almost determined not to trouble you any More. Be kind enough to inform me... if you think it wasn’t my... to solicit any further at this time. - I am Yr Hmble Servt - (Signed) John Nixon”.

A gorgeous, bold vivid Signature “John Nixon” writen in dark brown ink measuring 2” in length with his flourish below. Beautifully prepared and preserved. John Nicholson was a Pennsylvania State official who resigned all his state offices in 1794, having been impeached, but acquitted, by the Pennsylvania Legislature just prior to his resignation. At this time, Nicholson was reputed to be one of the wealthiest men in the country. In 1794-95 Nicholson joined with (Declaration Signer) Robert Morris in a number of land speculation schemes which eventually bankrupted both men; Nicholson was sent to debtor's prison in 1800, and died there several months later. Ex: EAHA Auction, Nov. 1, 1997, Lot 199.
John Nixon (1733-1808) was born the son of Sarah Bowles and Richard Nixon, a prominent Philadelphia shipping merchant and owner of Nixon's Wharf on the Delaware River. After being educated in the business rather than in a formal school setting, Nixon inherited his father's shipping and mercantile business in 1749. He soon became involved in public affairs, chosen a lieutenant of the Dock Ward Company in 1756, a warden of the port in 1766, one of the signers of paper money issued by Pennsylvania in 1767, and a manager of Pennsylvania Hospital, 1768-1772.

During early conflicts with the mother country, Nixon was an ardent proponent of the colonies. He signed the Non-Importation Agreement in 1765 and actively opposed the Stamp Act. When the Revolutionary War began, he joined the Committee of Safety, often acting as its chairman. He saw military action at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and commanded the defenses of the Delaware at Fort Island and the Philadelphia city guard. Nixon, however, is best known as the first person to publicly read the Declaration of Independence, which he did from the steps of the State House on July 8, 1776.

________

JOHN NICHOLSON (d. 1800). State official; Land speculator. Nicholson was a shady Pennsylvania state official who resigned all his state offices in 1794, having been impeached, but acquitted, by the Pennsylvania Legislature just prior to his resignation. Scarce Partially Printed Document Signed “Jn Nicholson.” Comptroller-Generals Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. September 29, 1789, 1 page. Octavo. Nicholson held the office from 1782 to 1794 and was often regarded as “the financial dictator of the state.”