To George Washington from John Nicholson, 23 February 1796
From John Nicholson
Philada February 23d 1796
sir
I take the liberty of sending the inclosed to your Excellency. The store which it refers to was opened yesterday to which time it was for several days postponed in order that it might take place on a day so much respected by this Country.1
The institution hath been brought to its present state principally on my support, and is owned by me save an interest of one third which is possessed by the principal artist in this business.
It is my intention that every article of the concern shall be of american manufacture: in the case of the prints the plates have been and will be engraved and the paper for them made here The printing whether plain or in color done by us also, as well as the frames &Ca, the other articles will also be of American materials & Manufacture.
The day that matured such a plan so as to open as we have done may be considered as the Birth day of several elegant and useful Arts and manufactures in the united states.
The introduction of useful arts and manufactures in this Country I am sure cannot fail to meet your favor and patronage, and I beg leave to ask it in behalf of this concern. I am with the greatest respect sir your most Obedt very humble servant
Jno. Nicholson
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosure has not been identified. It may have referred to a store in connection with the Columbian Gallery, located on Chesnut Street west of Tenth Street, which was to open on 22 February. The gallery, operated by Edward Savage, featured paintings and prints “ancient & modern,” including Savage’s picture of “the President and Family, the full size of Life” (Gazette of the United States [Philadelphia], 20 Feb.). Nicholson at this time was also involved with a “store of American Manufactures at the Falls of Schuylkill on the Wissahicken road,” which offered products including glasswares and hosiery (Philadelphia Gazette & Universal Daily Advertiser, 1 and 9 Feb.).
GW’s birthday was celebrated at Philadelphia on 22 Feb. with “the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, &c.”; calls on GW by militia officers, legislators, and citizens; and “a splendid ball and supper” in the evening (Aurora General Advertiser [Philadelphia], 23 Feb.).