Manuscript Signed Letter of Early Americana Interest, From a British Emigrant Who Arrived at Philadelphia During the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. by F. Nichols - 1821

New York, 1821. Manuscript signed letter written by F. Nichols who emigrated to Philadelphia during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 and appears to have been in the army that quelled said rebellion, then settled in New York, with superb content including early whiskey distilleries, women, finance, freedom of religious speech and print, etc. Addressed to yeoman William Fothergill (1748-1836) of Carrend, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, being a grandson of the famous Quaker physician John Fothergill (1712-1780), who authored "Considerations for North American Colonies" and who co-operated with Benjamin Franklin to restore relations between America and Britain. Folio. 4 pages in manuscript. Double leaf measuring approximately 20 x 32 cm, with integral address, remnants of a red wax seal. Some wear at folds, affecting only one word which is easily discernable from the text, otherwise in very good condition, a most comprehensive commentary by an early British settler in America. The writer, who identifies himself as F. Nichols, emigrated from England to Philadelphia during the riotous era of the whiskey tax and its heavy opposition, most likely fighting the insurgents as part of the cavalry which successfully ended the Whiskey Rebellion. Nichols' well-written correspondence, interest in "high" literature, and the uncommon remark to encourage the publication of his observations, suggest that he may be part of the Nichols family of printers and antiquaries. The recipient of the present correspondence is yeoman William Fothergill (1748-1837) of Carrend near Askrig, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, who descends from the Fothergill Quaker lineage of Yorkshire fame, the family seat being at Carr End in Wensleydale, William spending most of his life and inheriting the family estate, to where the present letter was posted. . Signed. Manuscript.