(Robert Morris and the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal 
Navigation) John NICHOLSON (1757-1800) Good content Autograph Letter Signed, 1p. 230 x 185 mm. [Philadelphia] 18 July 1798 to “The Com[mittee of the] D[elware] & S[chuylkill] Canal”. With integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand.

Robert Morris chartered the Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Navigation Company in 1792 for the dual purpose of augmenting Philadelphia’s water supply and to provide a navigable route around the falls of the Schuylkill River. Like Morris, and Nicholson, the company eventually went bankrupt with only part of the canal dug. The abandoned right of way eventually used by the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad in the 1830s.

Up to his ears in debt, Nicholson jots a hurried letter concerning accounting for his work with the canal construction earlier in the decade: “Gentlemen, A letter of the 8th Instant from Wm Weston Esq. has the following on the subject of my and with D&S Canal ‘The Charges of pum [?] if omitted out to be added’ & ‘Allowance were are ought to have been made for the puddle[?] carried up in The embankment and for any extra work in [?] the Ropes’ the original of this letter may be seen if desired – In 1793 & in 1794 my team and workmen were employed hauling brick, stone, gravel sand & lime at several of the Culverts – of which no acct.  hath yet been rendered – I am endeavoring to get it stated with more precision than at present I am able to do – To be carried father to my credit as the former…” Within a year and half, Nicholson would find himself in the debtor’s apartments and died on 5 December 1800.

Usual folds, else very good condition.

(EXA 3378) SOLD.