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Sale 58
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Lot 55
Rittenhouse, David (1732-1796) American astronomer, scientist, and inventor; first director of the U.S. Mint (1792-95). He built what is believed to be the first telescope in the U.S., as well as two orreries (mechanical models of the solar system). During the American Revolution, he was a member of the Committee of Safety and the Pennsylvania War Board. From 1777-89 he served as treasurer of Pennsylvania. He used his surveying expertise and advanced instruments to establish the Mason Dixon line (1784) and other state boundaries, and in 1791 he succeeded Benjamin Franklin as president of the American Philosophical Society.
Rare Autograph Letter Signed "D. Rittenhouse" one page, 8¼ x 6½ in. (Philadelphia), July 29, 1790. To U.S. Comptroller General John Nicholson with regard to Rittenhouse's ledger notations in his capacity as treasurer of Pennsylvania in 1787, most probably referencing his accounting for Revolutionary War claims: "My receipt to Andrew Boyd of June 16th 1787 for £717.12.7 Contains a payment made by a Collector to me feb. 27th 1787 of £34.0.3 and £73.1 paid by Boyd on my Order to J. Carson entered April 10th these with the £610.11.4 of June 16th make the Sum of £717.12.7. In my note this morning I gave you the Sum Set down in the Margin of the Book 32.0.1. But in the Entry as written at lenghth [sic] is 32.2.7 and is no doubt the very sum you mention of Oct. 19th for I find no such entry on that day…." With holograph address panel on integral leaf. Very good; edge chips and small tear at right center margin; seal remnants do not affect legibilty; fold repairs on verso. Darkly penned and signed. Thomas Jefferson once wrote to Rittenhouse, "There is an order of geniusses above [the] obligation…of government…the world has but one Ryttenhouse &…it never had one before…."
John Nicholson was Comptroller General of Pennsyvania from 1782 until 1794. Having been under suspicion for shady dealings for some time, he was impeached but acquitted. He became involved in various land speculation schemes with Robert Morris, which eventually bankrupted both men and landed them in debtor's prison. Nicholson died there in 1800.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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