Sold – Jefferson and James Madison Appoint a Notable Newport Patriot and Cabinet Maker

Beautiful document signed by both founding fathers.

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In the early days of the Republic, the principle source of funds for the Federal government was the collection of customs duties at ports. A Collector was appointed by the President to handle this function at each major port where international trade was permitted. To assist the Collector, and also frankly to...

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Sold – Jefferson and James Madison Appoint a Notable Newport Patriot and Cabinet Maker

Beautiful document signed by both founding fathers.

In the early days of the Republic, the principle source of funds for the Federal government was the collection of customs duties at ports. A Collector was appointed by the President to handle this function at each major port where international trade was permitted. To assist the Collector, and also frankly to watch over him and make sure the funds were dealt with completely and honestly, a naval officer was named. Before long, all matters of finance connected with the collection of duties became the naval officer’s responsibility, and he became a kind of Controller. Financial documents submitted to the Treasury Department had to have his approval before being sent to Washington.

The Nichols family was well known in Newport, R.I., which was then one of the great trade hubs in the United States. The Nichols founded the White Horse Tavern in 1673 and contined to oerate it for over two centuries. Walter Nichols, the proprietor in 1776, moved his family out of the tavern and Newport rather than live with the Hessian mercenaries billeted there by the British. They returned after the war and re-opened an enlarged tavern. In 1782, Walter senior turned over operation of the business to Walter junior. Interestingly, Walter junior was also a noted cabinetmaker.

A trusted figure with a patriotic record, when the post of Naval Officer of Newport opened up, the junior Nichols was the President’s selection to fill it.

Document Signed by Jefferson as President and Madison as Secretary of State, Washington, May 3, 1802, making the Nichols appointment. The document is beautifully framed with an old engraving of Jefferson. Nichols held the post until 1823 when he died, age 72. Although appointments of Collectors come up from time to time, those of Naval Officer are quite uncommon. This is the first we’ve had.

 

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