The collection documents the life and varied activities of David Redick on the early western frontier of America. The letters and documents detail his business, political and social activities and provides a picture in miniature of the development of the old frontier. Redick was involved in land development, speculation and surveying, and laid out the town of Washington, Pennsylvania. Redick was a lawyer and went on to hold a variety of politically appointed public jobs in Washington County and have considerable involvement in the political life of western Pennsylvania. He played a prominent role in the Whiskey Rebellion and in its suppression the collection contains a manuscript draft of a letter written to George Washington containing early intelligence on the subject. He was active in promoting the Abolition of slavery and in helping escaped slaves from Virginia fleeing north. Redick played an important role in the development of other institutions on the frontier, most notably in the founding and development of Washington Academy, which is now known as Washington and Jefferson College. 

Redick corresponded with a variety of prominent and important individuals in the history of Pennsylvania, the development of its and Ohio's early frontier, and the early National period, including Albert Gallatin, Alexander James Dallas, William Findley, Samuel Finley, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, William Irvine, Henry Muhlenberg, Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Matthew Irwin, and George Washington, amongst others.

The present archive was recently discovered and has been in the possession of descendants until the present. Extensive archives with substantive content and correspondents from this period in American history are becoming increasingly rare and are seldom offered in trade.

  A very detailed thirty page inventory and description with transcriptions of letters is available upon request.

 

Sample Quotations from the Archive:

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Cumberland County, February 12, 1782 to John Lukens, Philadelphia

Folio, one page, formerly folded, in very good, clean legible condition. Proposes his services as surveyor of Washington County, Pennsylvania:

      Sir, being informed that you will some time this winter appoint Dep. Surveyors for the Western part of the State, I beg leave to put you in mind of my application for the County of Washington, or a part of it. I am persuaded that a recommendation from Col. Blair & Messrs. Hoge, Maclay and Lyon, which they tell me they have given, will be sufficient in that way. Col.Blain promises to be surety for my performance if your goodness will indulge me according to my expectation, it cannot be done in a more agreeable way than by appointing me to the northernmost Didtrict in Washington County as my Landed property lies there and although Messrs Hendricks & McLean has done a part of the Business yet the Remainder being at home as it were, will in my view make amends, and indeed whilst the office is opened on its present contracted principles it would by no means admit of a surveyor traveling far from Home for all that is to be done. However I must rest that with you. As I am Intimately acquainted through that country would just mention that if you purpose making the Districts of Washington the Road from Redstone Old Fort to Bassett & from thence to the Head of Buffelo and with that creek to the state line will divide it as well as it can be conveniently done. I purpose seting out for that country by the middle of March Shall always be glad to be directed to serve you... [sic]

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Cumberland Co., October 6, 1782 to John Lukens, Philadelphia

Small quarto, one page of a four page bifolium, old folds and creases, else very good.

I wrote you by Mr. Steel some time ago & hoped to have received by him a letter directed to James Hendricks for the purpose of having the Washington Papers & likewise a Letter Directed to myself Directing me to assist Mr. McLean in running the State Line When I was with you at Philadelphia you Desired me to leave a note or memorandum on you to remined you of these things which I did, but I imagine it must have been mislayd.-

If you find it in you power conveniently to send me a compass with all the necessary implements for the field, I'll give you so much money as that I shall receive will be better than ye theodolite some intelligence from you on these subjects will oblige...

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, Pa., May 15, 1786 to John Lukens, Philadelphia

Folio, two pages of a four page bi-folium, folded, paper a bit tanned, else in very good condition.

Your favor of the 21^st ultimo came to hand two days ago, I am sorry that so disagreeable a distemper as you complain of has prevented you from writing oftener than you have; but I am still more so when I find the reasons for your writing on the present occasion - I will assure you Sir that every appearance of civility and gentlemanly behaviour on our part has been shewn to Messrs Nevil & Ritchey the verry first time I ever saw them after their appointment I told them that they at anytime might have access to my office for such notes, courses, etc as might be useful to them in their business. I even sent them on some occasions such things unasked. Mr. Nevil has for his part generally conducted himself with propriety towards us except in one or two instances - on their first appointment we delivered to them the chief of the warts & which respected lands in their District some we retained for a variety of reasons, but even declared upon the first intimation from you signifying your wish that the whole should be delivered that it would be complied with. I wrote them to the purpose as well as told them frequently myself in conversation which might have saved them the Trouble of an application to Council if they had been well disposed but they have to gain anything, but by storm - The people have contributed largely to their uneasiness not a day passed for sometime after their appointments were known of but some ill natured story was told us, frequent complaints made touching their conduct I soon found them to be false & totally discouraged any such further information, had they done the like I am inclined to think their own heart would have been at peace, nor could they have suspected us for being ill disposed to them as surveyors.

I am every day more and more convinced of the unhappy consequences of dividing this county into districts after so much of the business had been completed, more especially putting it into hands whose opinions differ so widely, as I am sorry to say ours do in many things, it has a tendency to make the Department an inconsistent system or rather two different systems - I am clearly convinced that the business would be done better to your mind, more to the satisfaction of the public and with more ease to the Dept if we were all four joined as we are two & two when it would be a common interest, having many surveys made in their district which we found on calculation a necessity of altering on the Table from the Field work, which none so well but ourselves could unravel and set to rights and although there is one of those gentlemen which I greatly dislike being connected with, yet I would rather the business might be done in the way I mention even under some disagreeable circumstances than run the risqué of such difficulties as I find every day ariseing - you will see the advantages at once and if you think it a good hint, well & good, if otherwise you will at least do me the justice to say I am as well disposed to an agreement as others for nothing promotes it more than interests knit together-

I shall now conclude assuring you that at all times I shall be happy to receive your instructions and in obeying them in your line but for God sake keep counsel from dabbling in a business they understand so little of...

Gallatin, Albert (1761-1849) [Autograph Letter Signed, Washington County, August 17, 1787 to David Redick]

Quarto, three pp., on four page bi-folium, in very good, clean legible condition.

Very early letter written by the future Secretary of the Treasury, who had emigrated to America in 1780. Gallatin was at this time living in western Pennsylvania engaged in land speculation and in business as a store keeper. Gallatin through a chance encounter with George Washington had learned of plans to canalize the Potomac and link it with one or more of the Ohio's tributaries. Gallatin bet on the Monongahela and leased a small farm near its confluence with George's Creek in Fayette County.

Sir As you informed me that by sending you the Plott of my Land made by John Nixon together with the calculation by Mr. M'layne you would be so kind as to make the proper plot & sign it in order to get a deed, I now make so free as to send both to you together with the Warrant which calls only for 200 Acres, the other Warrant which makes the complement of the Survey is in your hands. It is for 150 Acres & was originally granted to John Six but was since assigned to me. There was a mistake in the Magistrates Certificate on which the 200 Acre Warrant was granted as it called for the South side of Dunkard Creek, but it does lay on the lower or North side. You will also observe that Wm. Minor's Plott calls only the 331 Acres but by the calculation you will find it to be 36 ¾ Acres.

I should have been last Summer to Washington's town in order to settle with you for what balance I may owe you for surveying fees, but was detained by the fear of the small pox which I was told did then rage in your quarters, but I will go as soon as I hear you have returned.

I am sorry it does not lay in my power to make proper return for all the trouble I give you but I hope you rely on my gratitude I send a trifle of money which is all I have by me with Col. Philips. I hope that with the ... will come very near to the getting the Deeds but if there be any balance I will pay it on demand. I once more beg to be excused for all the trouble I give & remain with great regard Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant Signed Suzannah Robertson.

I forgot to mention that Six's Assignment to me of the 150 Acres Warrant was directed to yourself by a letter from Six to you which I delivered myself. I hope you will remember the circumstance.

I have been directed by Mrs. Robertson to write & sign the above letter for her - Albert Gallatin

American National Biography, vol. 8, pp., 639-642

Vaughan, John, and Hutchinson, James, [Letter Signed, Philadelphia, February 1789, Announcing Redick's Admission to Membership of the American Philosophical Society]

Quarto, one page of a four page bi-folium, old folds, else very good.

Sir We take great pleasure in obeying the orders we have received to Inform you that you are chosen a Member of the "American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful knowledge" and as the public good is the design of this Institution we have no doubt you will unite your endeavours with theirs in promoting so desireable an object, your certificate of Admission accompanies this letter. Signed by order of the Society Jn. Vaughan James Hutchinson } Secretaries

Barry, James Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, September 25, 1789 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, two pages of a four page bi-folium, old folds and creases, some dust soiling, else very good.

Lively letter discussing politics and the upcoming Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention and Barry's hopes that Redick will be elected a delegate to represent the interests of the residents of the back country against those of the "aristocrats."

"I have just Leisure to Let you Know I am Living, the aristocrats have Resolved to Call a Convention which would made me Expire or nearly so were it not for one Consideration, and that is, when times and things are at the worst there is a prospect they will shortly grow better, it is astonishing the ways and means made use of to accomplish this their desireable object, of which conduct you will be better informed by Col. Allison, it now Remains for us to make the greatest Exertions, and get the best men we can to represent us in said Convention. It would give me pleasure if Washington would Elect Mr. Redick to the Convention, to lend a helping hand to Kill these Cursed Scoundrels, or at least to gave them a deadly wound, which I hope will yet be Effected. Yesterday the house took up the Report on the Case of W. Stockley and unanimously agreed to acquit him of that Malicious and Ill founded Charge Exhibited against him, as for the general government I don't know what to say about it, for sure I am were I a stranger to America and read the journals I would be led to think they were possessed of the mines of Mexico and Peru my dear friend your former Ideas of that government to me now strike me forcibly, that we could have no conception of the Expense, and as far as government is organized it has astonished all the Continent, and I am afraid our State government will be little behind it as to us - 

You talk of troubling me with writing and intruding on my patience. No my Dear Sir I am all patience when I hear from you, and troubled when I do not, your writing to me more frequent would gave [sic] me great pleasure and I shall not be wanting in return. When I am at home the opportunities are few, and since I came last to the City this is the first. I received your letter by Mr. Allison and thank you for the favour as for religion and politicks I am the same, in these principells I think you are happy and my earnest prayer is that when you have served your Generation you may die the death of the righteous and that my last end may be like yours - James Barry

Goudy, James Autograph Letter Signed Cincinnata December 20, 1791 to David Redick, Washington County

Folio, 1 ¼ pages, old folds, some dust soiling and staining, else in very good condition.

Goudy, one of the earliest settlers of Cincinnati and later the first settler of Green township, Hamilton County, Ohio, writes to Redick, with great disappointment about an order of books from Philadelphia which apparently was not filled, his legal studies and work, business conditions and mentions the ongoing Indian War and its impact on the area:

I received your letter of the 22 Nov. Last which informed me that Col. Marshel did not bring the books for me as also the reason why he did not. I did not want books from him until he received the money he thought perhaps I was a person like himself not to be trusted much & depended on, he told me he was acquainted with the bookseller in Philadelphia and would get them and gave me his honour that he would get them I told him I would from time to time send money to Mr. Readic who would receive those books and others I might send for and hand over the money to him provided he would sell them at a moderate price and not charge me double price as he once did for some Lattin [sic] books I sent for with him - So he gave me his honour until he would bring the books. Sir I expect now he will not bring them. I shall keep his honour no longer but kick it into the Ohio and him with it was he here... One thing I am sorry for is too small acquaintance with the clerks business I received more advantage from a short time with you than I could have done in six months close study. I believe I would have done better to have studied some time with a practicing attorney and collected the knowledge of those forms of proceedings ... I feel a grate imbarrassement [sic] in a number of the proceedings without any established system [sic] here to follow- In our confused situation (rendered so by the Indian war) the practice is considerably diminished and scarce worth attending to at present. - I believe Sir if it could be made convenient and meet with your approbation I would settle all my business at our next court ... and live with you for about eighteen months or until the country may have some peace and time to attend to private business as our war at present has swallowed up almost every other concern, many have abandoned the purchase and I doubt more will do the same. ... perhaps I might meet with a friend some of the attornies there to make a formal entrance as an apprentice while I should be there, and discharge me as such at my departure, to accommodate myself to answer the act I expect will pass at the next session of our Legislative body restraining any from admittance to the practice without first having studied regularly under some practicing attorney, in my present situation it would prove fatal to me..."

Wood, James (1741-1813) Autograph Letter Signed, Richmond, December 28, 1792 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, two pages of a four page bi-folium, old folds, some toning, integral address leaf a bit dust soiled, else in very good, legible condition.

Wood, Revolutionary War soldier, elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1775, served as a member of the Virginia Constitutional Convention in 1776 and was elected to the Virginia Council in 1784 to succeed John Marshall, and elected Governor of Virginia (1796-1799), he was an active member of the Virginia Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and served as President and Vice President of the Society of the Cincinnati.

Wood writes to Redick concerning the steps being taken for the protection of citizens and settlers on Virginia's frontier:

Having a opportunity by my friend Mr. Charles Wells of Ohio I cannot let it pass without you a Line. Our Assembly have adjourned after vesting the Executive with ample power to afford protection to our Exposed fellow citizens on the frontier of this State. The Executive have directed Sixteen Scouts to be employed, and kept in pay during the Winter Months, under the Command of two Subaltern Officers, and have ordered three Compleat Companies to be in readiness to take the field by the 6^th of March. I have been in Philadelphia since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I remained there from 1^st Septem. To the Middle of October - from everything I was able to collect, I am inclined to think the next will not be a very active Campaign - if it should be otherwise I am determined to Join the Army with a Select Corps of Volunteers. Will you be so Obliging as to present my respects to the Gentlemen of My Acquaintance in Your Town. - I consider myself under great Obligation to you and them, for your Polite Attention to me when I passed you last Summer. I Delivered your letter to Our Mutual Friend Mr. Willis Reddick who is now here, and is Still a very respectable Member of the Assembly."

Redick, David [Manuscript Draft of a Letter to George Washington, President of the United States, undated though from context clearly 1794]

octavo, single sheet, formerly folded, small hole, not affecting text, else very good.

Redick in this draft letter to Washington writes with his assessment of the Whiskey Rebellion, which was then occurring in the vicinity of Washington, Pennsylvania:

Sir, Since my arrival from Carlisle I have been waited in for News by great numbers of people of various opinions and Spirits and am constrained from a Sense of duty to inform you that I have not discovered that contrition for past crimes which the enormity of them and the danger hanging over their heads ought to produce fear however has opporated [sic] and continues on many & Some have departed the Country others appear hardened against danger - what the Proposed Meeting on Friday next will produce I know not - but as Mr. Findley & myself promised in our letter to you of the 9^th Inst. The President will have a full history of the material transactions which may take place I am sorry to acknowledge my hopes are less sanguine than they were some days ago. I am however persuaded that a much less number of Troops than the Army Contains will Sufficiently reduce the malcontents.

I am Sir with profound Respect

Your most obt. Humble sevt.

D R

Pre. Of U.S.

Harrison, John, Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, August 5, 1795 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, one page of a four page bi-folium, old folds and creases, else in good, clean and legible condition.

John Harrison, Register of the Philadelphia Society for the Information and Assistance of Emigrants, writes to Redick in answer to a letter of Redick's concerning the Society and its work.

Thy esteemed favour 10 Feby. Was laid before the Committee & Conference & correspondence of the Philadelphia Socy. For the Information and Assistance of Emigrants, at their last Meeting, which they have directed me to acknowledge, & return their thanks for your attention to their Interest & that of its objects; at present there are no persons of the description thou mentions except day labourers who at this Season find plenty of Employ in the City & its Vicinitys so that it would be imprudent in us to advise them leave us, as well as that our Solicitations would prove entirely unsuccessful unless we could convince them some peculiar advantage would result therefrom, we beg leave however in case any persons of the descriptions mentioned should occur, to enquire by what means they would obtain the cheapest & most ready conveyance as their finances are generally very low & likewise what assurance we should have that those vacancies would not be filled up before they should arrive, great numbers of the Emigrants of this Summer have already set off to the westward perhaps some may ere this be with you..."

Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel (1746-1807) Autograph Letter Signed, Chilicotta, August 10^th 1797 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Small quarto, two pages of a four page bi-folium, formerly folded, some creasing and dust soiling to integral address leaf, in good, legible condition.

Muhlenberg relates some of the events of a journey to Ohio to visit his lands there in this picturesque letter of travel on the frontier:

At last an Opportunity offers for Washington, and I embrace it with pleasure to inform you that I am safely Landed here, after a most fatiguing & tiresome Journey. To Morrow I shall set out for my Lands, but I am afraid it will take me near three weeks to accomplish the Business. I shall have good Guides as well as good Company - as soon as my business is finished I shall return by Water - Perhaps in Mr. Hamilton's Keel Boat - This Gentleman & I are much indebted to you for your recommendation Mr. Hamilton, some other Indian Chiefs, & myself, now & then smoke a pipe & drink Whiskey till Capt. Johnny cries Hah.

I did not get to the Mouth of the Sciota until the 2d of this month - we traveled slow & sure we lived well - but encamped in the Woods every night, which has fitted me pretty well for the business I am going upon - We had Fish & Venison plenty - I - yes Sir - I myself Harpooned & took a pike between 4 & 5 feet long and of 40 lb Weight - I shall bring a Certificate with me, in order to have it recorded in Washington when I return.

I shall now request you to send my Horse by the post rider to Wheeling, but I cannot ascertain the time - shall therefore write you when I return from my Expedition..."

Muhlenberg was a clergyman, soldier and politician of the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post Revolutionary eras in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was known as the "fighting parson." He settled in Virginia prior to the Revolution was a member of the Committee of Safety and Correspondence for Dunmore County, Virginia. He was elected to the House of Burgesses in 1774, and was a delegate to the First Virginia Convention. He raised and commanded as its Colonel the 8^th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army. Muhlenberg was made a Brigadier General of the Virginia Line and commanded that Brigade in Nathanael Greene's division at Valley Forge. Muhlenberg saw service at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and Yorktown. Muhlenberg was an original member of the Pennsylvania Society of the Society of the Cincinnati.

After the war he was elected to the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, he served as Vice-President of the Council and was succeeded by David Redick. He was elected to the first U. S. Congress (1789-1791). He served in Congress as a Republican from 1793-95 and 1799-1801. He entered the U. S. Senate in 1801 but resigned later that year.

American National Biography, vol. 16, pp., 60-62

Irwin, Matthew, Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, October 13, 1797 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, two pages of a four page bi-folium, formerly folded, some wear and staining to address leaf, else in very good, clean and legible condition.

Irwin writes to Redick of current events in Philadelphia, yellow fever epidemic, and local politics:

"Knowing that you & your family will be desirous of being informed, at this awful period, with the situation of my Family. I take the liberty of informing you that after an absence of seven weeks, we have returned safe & sound to our little Castle in Chestnut Street the square in which I reside has been almost perfectly healthy & I am of opinion I should have rode out the Storm there with as much safety as I have done in the Country, there are still some deaths, they are chiefly confined to the inhabitants of Southwark & those who reside in narrow allys, we have had three or four Nights of Frost which as in a great degree put an end to the Contagion, through the whole of which I have been much favoured, for I don't recollect that any of my particular Friends have suffered thereby. I expect that most of our refugees will return in the course of next week, as it is supposed that the Houses situated in the wide Street asre as healthy as ever - Our Friend B. R. Morgan has lost his Election for Senator, Israel Israel had 38 votes more than hime, the old Ticketts for City & County Representatives have both succeeded. Penrow outrun Ash for Sheriff for which the former is indebted to the Yellow Fever - I don't know that you have lost any of your Friends by the sickness, the officers of Government retreated in time & are all well, it would have been imprudent on us to have run the risk bein deprived of our posts by such a lurking Enemy as that West India Fever, tho many of our Doctors will not suffer it to be called by that name, but suppose it had its origin here, which I positively deny for I am fully convinced that for the first two Weeks, the disorder might have been traced from three vessels, to every person that then had it. - Doctor Hodge has made less use of the Lancett than any other of the Physicians, & has been more successful. Doctor Pleasonts, a Son of Somerset, is now dangerously ill, this is his second attack -

There is no Foreign news worth mentioning it is yet uncertain whether the Negotiations between France & England will come to a happy conclusion, both parties particularly the Former, are preying on the Americans."

Findley, William, Autograph Note Signed to David Redick, Washington, Pa., circa 1798

On a small sheet, folded and docketed in ink on verso, some light staining, else very good.

A small but highly important note, a letter of introduction of sorts for John Israel, Republican printer and newspaper publisher from Philadelphia, who emigrated to the west in 1798.

A Young Man, John Israel, son of Israel Israel of whom Dobson who taught him the printing business gives an excellent character, is on his way to your town to set up the printing business and publish a weekly paper. We from Westmoreland wished him to have set up at Greensburgh, but he has decided in favour of Washington, to do which I suppose he has received encouragement. Though I have subscribed for his paper myself yet he will have few subscribers from us as we design a paper of our own and have the City news three days sooner than you. I believe I can recommend him as a discreet young man and as such recommend him to your notice and counsel. I would be glad to hear from you, whilst I am with great esteem and respect your obedt. Humble servant...

Israel published the Herald of Liberty which first appeared in February 1798 in Washington, Pennsylvania, one of the few aggressively Republican and successful newspapers to appear between 1795 and 1798. The paper's masthead featured a motto designed to instill fear into the hearts of Jacobin fearing Federalists: "Man is Man and Who is More?" Having thus announced its commitment to social egalitarianism and Paineite religious skepticism, the Herald embarked immediately on an effort to present the national and statewide Republican Party to local readers and integrate it with local battles.

John Israel's father Israel Israel was the friend and financial backer of Benjamin Franklin Bache. John Israel began his "arduous undertaking" in consultation with his father's Republican friends and such western Republican office holders as Albert Gallatin and William Findley.

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Pittsburgh, Pa., November 16, 1798 to his son Jonathan, at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.

Small quarto, three pages, formerly folded, in good clean legible condition.

Redick writes to his son with news and considerable personal opinion of local politics, the election and its resulting excitement:

Was you at this place you would almost lead to believe you was in the streets of Washington surrounded by the people of that country. Not less than 60 or 70 from that neighborhood are now convened here. What do you suppose can have occasioned it! Have a little patience and I'll tell you - at Our late election Genl. Taylor harangued the populous with his nonsensical democracy. Coll. Stokley as a counter part harangued with his silly aristocracy the two combatants had nearly engaged on the spot in deadly contest all this you heard and saw on the spot. It ended not there The general Muster which took place a few days after you left Washington was nearly prevented by the prosecution of the Generals enmity to the Collonel excited at the election. Stokley advertised the Regiment to meet at Washington in uniform, equipped, &c. The General Commanding himself as superior officer issued counter orders distributing hand bills among the Militia officers & privates Requiring them to meet at Hamilton's Saw Mill and not at Washington. Stokley set out for Pittsburg the evening before the Muster and Procured a Warrant from Majr. General Gibson to arrest Genl Taylor which was done on the Morning of the Review by Simonson who had been appointed adjutant the day before at the same time Capt. Little and Several Subaltern officers were arrested for refusing to repair to the Regimental Standard at Washington. Now at this time and place a general court Marshal is Sitting on the Trial of the General and the disobedient officers. The whole Country is here you would think all waiting with anxious expectations for the awful event; some believing that with the downfall of the too popular Demgogical Genl. And his faithful Servants who bravely who virtuously refused obedience to their Coll. Who alone had the Right to Command them at a Regimental Muster, and adhered to their Generals orders who is a superior officer, although he had no right to Command on the occasion. I say many think with their downfall all opposition to aristocracy is at an end, the Liberty of the United States is at a close. Tyranny Despotism, and Addison taking place of all that is worth having on Earth - Others think that if these culprits escape punishment Anarchy, Demonry, the utter dissolution of the Government will be the direful consequences - your Father and Sister Peggy are here waiting the eventful Catastrope !!! Don't be alarmed my Son, it will all end in smoke. The mountain is in Labour; - The Court Martial is composed of very Respectable Mention to wit Brig. Genl Jackson of Douglass, Coll. Wheeling of Fayette, Coll. McNair of Alleghany, Majr. Springer, Arthur Scott, Cariag, Capt. Clark of Washington, Lodge of Westmoreland & lawyer Collins is Judge Advocate - Genl. Taylor, Dr. Baird, Cloyd and upwards of Forty in number are encamped at Morrows. We are at Postlewaiths, like the army of Israel in array against the Philistines and a valley between us. ...

Mortimer, Benjamin, Autograph Letter Signed, Goshen on the River Muskingum, July 15, 1799 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Small quarto, one page, old folds, remains of sealing wax, small hole in text, else very good.

Mortimer, a Moravian Missionary to the Indians writes the following to Redick from this Indian Congregation on the Muskingum:

I have to as your pardon for the trouble which I fear I have occasioned you, by a letter from Georgetown about 6 weeks since, about a parcel which you was so obliging as to take charge of for me last winter in Bethlehem. That parcel I find has safely arrived here...I arrived here with Mrs. Mortimer on the 14^th June. We occupy a small hut which was built for Mr. & Mrs. Zeisberger last year immediately on our arrival from Canada. They do everything in their power to render our situation comfortable & we are quite happy & contented among the Indians. Before winter we hope to get a house built for us. If we can be the means under God of doing any good here, we shall think the self denial & trouble that we have to put up with well repaid. "Godliness with Contentment" says St. Paul "is great gain" We shall be glad to see you whenever you can make the pleasure of a visit & shall accommodate you in the best manner we can.

Mortimer was a Moravian missionary who in the summer of 1798 accompanied David Zeisberger and several others when they departed Canada and proceeded to the Tuscarawas Valley, where they founded the settlement called Goshen, located seven miles northeast of Gnadenhutten.

Muhlenberg, Henry, (Gotthilf Henry Ernest) (1753-1815) Autograph Letter Signed, Lancaster, January 1, 1800 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, one page of a four page bi-folium, formerly folded, in very good, clean legible condition.

Muhlenberg writes concerning his lands in western Pennsylvania:

My Brother, the General, informs me that he recived a Letter from you respecting the Jarvis Lands which he formerly owned, and several years ago sold to me and to our Brother in Law the Revd. Mr. Schulze. Mr. Schulze owns now the Tracts Fox Chase, Lyons Bush, Buck Forrest on Travis Creek, Fayette and Washington. My Tracts are Commonsense, Dickinson, Panthers grove, Paradise, green Garden. We are both willing to sell the whole if we can get a reasonable Price. For my Part I am willing to lease any of my Tracts for a number of years, and would be glad if Valentine Gates will take one or more of my tracts. The Conditions I will leave entirely to your better Judgement, as I am a Stranger to the Customs of Your Parts. Only I would wish the Taxes to be paid and nothing willfully to be ruined. Perhaps I may find Time to see the Lands once myself. The Accounts I have of them are very different, some say they are not worth looking after, some say they are good. I would be extremely much obliged to you, Sir, if you will inform me of their Quality and what they may be worth. I see by the Papers that taxes are to be paid. Will you do me the particular Favour and let me know what Taxes may be due on our 10 Tracts? I would see them paid by the first Opportunity. Whenever you come through Lancaster I will be very happy to see you at my House...

Muhlenberg was an American clergyman and botanist, the son of Henry Muhlenberg and brother of Peter Muhlenberg.

American National Biography, vol. 16, pp., 56-57

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Carlisle, January 10, 1800 to William Findley, Lancaster, Pa.

Small quarto, three pages of a four page bi-folium, old folds, some tanning to paper, else in very good, clean legible condition.

Redick writes Findley a long detailed letter discussing the state of politics:

Sensible of your good disposition and Influence at the seat of Government I find myself impelled to call to your serious consideration the probable consequences of so general a change in the County officers as is likely to take place under the present administration in the State Government having satisfactorily, through the good offices of you and my other friends unsolisitated [sic] obtained a certain prospect of a continuance in my office I intended to go home and quietly looked on but having so much said in every company and every stop I have made homeward as well by the governors friends as by his political and personal enemies I have truly thought it my duty both as the citizen and personal friend of the governor, his personal friend I have uniformly been, to address you his confidant and friend, on this subject interesting to him and the public - Where any officer has behaved amiss in office all parties will formally approve of their dismission [sic] of what ever party they may be, perhaps further, where any person has illiberally attacked the personal character of the governor, especially if it appears to have been malicious rather than from a mistaken patriotism a removal may be excusable; but I find the opinion prevails, and pains are taking to promote it, that whoever is even suspected to have voted for another person at the late election, must take  a sacrifice to personal resentment - it is spoken of as an unhinging circumstance. I will not undertake to say whether the policy will eventually prove useful or otherwise but persuaded am I that it ought to be considered and reconsidered well before it be finally determined on. - from my own case I am unavoidably forced to believe that unjust representations are making to the Governor respecting the active, the prudent, the malignant as well as the generous and patriotic part which individuals in office has taken at the late be clouded election on reflection I am truly confounded in attempting to account for the governors suspicions respecting my Republican principles - He has known me well for these 14 or 15 years byepast he knows I took a decided part in the revolution he knows that my Father in law whose opinions I have always respected to be truly Republican - he knows the Genl course of my political conduct in the Executive Council, as well as in the Convention and unless some false tale-bearer has unfortunately secured his ear he must know that in every vicissitude I have uniformly supported his highest sentiments - after all these things and my having held the most respectable stations in the state, to find myself belittled (excuse the homely expression) as I have been on the subject of my continuance in office, and perhaps perceived by the interference of friends, friends who in Justice are not much more entitled to Influence than myself I must repeat I am astonished and confounded, and am forced to account for it by the Society where I live, with whom, in many respects I am politically at variance.

Our common friend Mr. Atho. Hamilton of this place pops on me - he is anxious for the fate of his brother I tell him that your knowledge of his brother together with your friendly disposition ought to encourage him to address you on the subject - the case of Mr. Lyon of this place makes much bustle here. Indeed Sir if my opinion could be respected Considering the established Whigish principles of Mr. Hamilton the brother it ought in sound policy to be carried to the credit of Thomas in some degree...

William Findley (1742-1821) member of the U. S. House of Representatives, one of the three leading Anti-Federalist debaters at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which he voted against, he was a delegate to the 1790 Pennsylvania State Constitutional Convention. He represented western Pennsylvania in the state legislature from 1790-91 and in the state Senate from 1799 - 1803. He served in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1791-1799 and from 1803-1817.

American National Biography, vol. 7 pp., 918-919

Brackenridge, Hugh Henry (1748-1816) Autograph Letter Signed, Pittsburgh, June 24, 1800 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, three pages of a four page bi-folium, folds, some splits along folds of address leaf, else very good.

Brackenridge, appointed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1799, writes to Redick concerning legal issues:

Under Rule 20^th for regulating the practice of the Supreme Court for the better conducting & expediting the business of the several Circuit Courts, "In all actions of debt & Contract removed into the Circuit Courts to September & December, the Plaintiff shall be at liberty to direct Judgement of Course to be entered at the third term of the Supreme Court, unless &c &c"

I was not at the making this rule, nor do I know what construction has been put upon it, no question having come forward with respect to it in bank at March Term, or in the course of the Circuit. But I had an idea but that the rule was confined to causes removed into the Circuit Courts, & had no retrospect or extension to cases found on the circuit court dockets & which had been originally moved into the Supreme Court.

I have all the rules of the Supreme Court before me, printed or in Manuscript of which I have any knowledge, & there is nothing said of directing a Judgment to be entered of Course, An affidavit not being filed.

But whatever construction might be put upon the rule, it is well known to the Attorney for the Plaintiff Joseph Pentecost that in this Cause there is a defense, a Specification of it having been given him prior to the last Nisi prius Court with Consent to enlarge it & make it more special before the next. In this case the insisting on an affidavit would seem unnecessary; But the proceeding from a Want of it was unreasonable, & Contrary to all liberality of practice; & under the Circumstances of my situation leaving the bar, & an interval taking place, before I could make my arrangements for delivering over the causes in my hand, it was contrary to all the Laws of humanity of legal war to take such advantage especially in the case of one who when at the bar never took any one by surprise, or attempted to defeat Justice by the Catches of Practice or the defect of form. If the Judgement entered is not struck out, the matter must be brought before the Circuit Court which will not be much to the credit of that spirit of Caption which has been covered & countenanced of late under the Presidency of Judge Addison. I have seen nothing of it in the Courts below & I hope the day will come when it will be extinguished here. It has given me infinite pain that in the Case of Mr. Pentecost of whose liberality I had an high opinion, my client should have been alarmed & distressed, & thrown upon me to distress me with his sufferings on my account, If notice has been even given my client demanding an affidavit, or the least hint given myself which might have been done I could have been satisfied for I could have saved myself with my clients by giving them notice which I would have done if no other opportunity at the Expence of an Express for that purpose...

Brackenridge was an author and judge and played a prominent part in the political, intellectual and legal life of western Pennsylvania. He played a prominent role in key incidents of the day in the ratification of the Constitution in 1787 and in the Whiskey Rebellion.

American National Biography, vol. 3, pp. 340-342

Redick, David, Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, September 22, 1800 to his son Jonathan, student at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.

Small quarto, one page, of a four page bi-folium, in good, legible condition.

Redick writes on politics and his fears for America if Jefferson is elected President:

Mr. Wilson passing through this place I heast [sic] to drop you a line - There is nothing but a dead calm here, the reverie of every former year near an election - yet not withstanding the calm in words I believe thoughts are not sleeping. If Jefferson becomes President who can expect but that the Sien, the Garonne the Rhine or some other Mighty French River will inundate all America and leave us nothing but Jacobin in the Country. Alas poor America! On the other hand if Pinney Succeed all will acknowledge that the Thames, the Wye, the Medway, the Ouse, the Tyne and the Tweed will come as a mighty torrent sweeping every thing but the Aristocrats before them. Alas poor Columbia! - last fall we were clearly of opinion if McKean succeeded versus Ross Pennsylvania would become a French province but behold we are one of the United States even to this merry day and Mr. Ross is once more a lawyer at the Bar of the County Courts in the Backwoods who was to have saved us from the Galic Crows. I would have gladly sent more than $ 50 to Mr McCormack but could command no more paper when on our Books...

Manuscript List of Books headed: "A List of Books Bot by J. Redick"

Circa 1800, folio, two pages of a four page bi-folium, folded, docketed on last leaf: "List of Books Bot by Jno Redick Esq. Washington Pennsylvania United States of North America of Jon. Kaye Decd." And "David Redick A. D. 1800"

Short title list of 30 titles noting the number of volumes as well as the price paid. Interesting list of titles, science, literature, history, a few novels, etc.

Manuscript Document headed: "Jan 24, 1803 Recd of David Redick Esquire the following Books as the Library of the W. Academy"

Folio, two pages of a four page bi-folium, in very good, clean, legible condition.

Manuscript list of some fifty titles, totaling ninety-five volumes, which David Redick donated to the Washington Academy. The Academy, incorporated in 1787, was a predecessor to Washington and Jefferson College, in Washington, Pennsylvania. The volumes here donated must have formed an early portion of the institution's library. The works include many of the current works of science, geography, law and history. The list notes the title, number of volumes, and place and date of publication. The receipt is signed by B. Mills, Librarian

Finley, Samuel (1752-1829), Autograph Letter Signed, Chillicothe, February 22, 1803 to David Redick, Washington, Pa.

Quarto, three pages, in very good, clean legible condition.

An excellent letter discussing the current state of politics and the strife between Republicans and Federalists. Finley also discourses upon the manipulation of the populace by party leaders:

I received your favor, of the 3^rd Ultimo, only two days ago, the mail to this place has been much interrupted owing to the severity of the winter. I believe there is no less than three dues us at this time.

You do not surprise me much with the report of your Governor's conduct towards you. Your case is not unprecedented. I am indeed to believe him to be very much under the Government of his passions; though, in your case, there may be something more, even a desire to serve a near relation. It is not very supposable that every republican who candidates himself for a high Office, is aVirtuous character: nor is it presumable that every federal is a Villain! Is it not then wondrous strange to say, where a competition takes place, that because I am a republican, I must vote for him that calls himself so, however undeserving he may be; or however ignorant I may be of his merit, rather than for the Other, who is called a federal, and who I know to be a deserving character? But the prevailing Sentiment is that it is better to promote the interest of the one that calls himself of my party, no matter what his character otherwise may be, than to bring forward a man of worth because he is differently denominated.

Permit me Sir, to offer you some consolation: for however Strange it may appear to be, it is a fact that people received consolation from the recital of other's misfortunes. I am a federal, or denominated so; and, though high in the confidence of the people lost my election to our convention from that very circumstance. Some were vexed, some were sorry, and some were even distressed to think that a good man, as they said, should be a federal: their conscience smote them when they thought of removing me, and so I was given up. The bulk of mankind are easily imposed upon; and the leaders of parties take infinite pains to work on their credulity, by alleging things, the most absurd and unreasonable against their opponents. Though called a federal, which I conceive every conscientious republican is in reality, I am not, on that account an enemy to my Country - a royalist - an aristocrat: I am not obliged to consent to every Act of the late Administration as being just & right. Nor do I suppose that you feel yourself invincibly bound to approve of every measure that may be adopted by the present one. I hold myself at liberty, let who will preside to justify or condemn as occasion may offer: though by the way, it may be imprudent to be hasty in either. I suppose the President was very correct, when in his inaugural speech, he said "We are all republicans - We are all federals."

But, politics away! I must inform you of my progress in the matter which seems to lye nearest your heart, I mean an accommodation for your son in this place. I cannot find a private house in town, such as I would wish him to quarter in, that is in circumstances to take in boarders. I would very willingly take the young Gentleman into my house, but it is so small that we cannot sleep more than two beds, and we have but two small apartments. I am building but shall not be able to move into it before next fall. I spoke to a Tavern keeper where one of our most eminent Attorneys resides, a Mr. Sprigg, a Gentleman, I think of good sense and morals, and perhaps excelled by few in his professional abilities. This Gentleman agreed to admit him to a share of his room; and, as there is no doubt of Mr. Spriggs being appointed one of our Supreme Judges, he may be of vast advantage to your Mr. Redick, either by introducing him to practice, or by procuring him some advantageous office. ...

Samuel Finley, soldier, born in Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania in 1752 and died in Philadelphia in 1829. He was educated by his uncle Samuel Finley (1715-1766) clergyman and educator and one time President of Princeton University. He settled in Martinsburg, Virginia. He served with distinction in the Virginia cavalry during the Revolution, and rose to the rank of Major. The last three years of the war he spent as a prisoner on Long Island. General Washington, who was a personal friend, appointed him receiver of public moneys in the northwest and he went about 1796, to what is now Chillicothe, Ohio, where he had been given large tracts of government land for his services in the Revolution. During the war of 1812 he served as a general of militia, raising and commanding a troop of light horse against the border Indians, who were considered allies of the British.

Biography of David Redick

David Redick was born in the year 1750, in Ireland, and after coming to America made his home for several years in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  His father, John Redick, was an emigrant from the north of Ireland. His mother was Rachel Hoge, daughter of John Hoge, an early settler in the Cumberland Valley. David received a good education, was brought up a surveyor, and studied law at Carlisle.

In the struggle for Independence he was a hearty participant, and was appointed a commissary in one of the Cumberland County battalions during the early years of the war. Prior to 1780 he married his cousin, Ann Hoge, the daughter of Jonathan Hoge, of Cumberland County, and in 1782 removed to the Chariters Valley, in Western Pennsylvania. Redick with his wife's uncle, David Hoge, surveyed his lands and laid out and platted the town of Bassett Town, which was soon renamed Washington, Pennsylvania, under the direction of Mr. Hoge. At that time Washington County was in the process of being established and Mr. Hoge apparently wanted to establish a town that would serve as the nascent county's center of government. Redick purchased a lot on the town's main street and lived there until his death. At the December term, 1782, he was admitted to Washington County Bar.

Redick was elected to represent Washington County on the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, taking his seat therein November 20, 1786. He was elected Vice President of the State on the 14^th of October 1788 (the equivalent of Lieutenant-Governor) following the resignation of Peter Muhlenberg. He was the first state-wide officer from Pennsylvania's western frontier. He was at about this time (1788) a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania in an ex-officio capacity while he was vice-president of the Supreme Executive Council. 

In testament to his abilities as a surveyor, in October 1787, Mr. Redick was appointed agent of the State for communicating with the Governor of New York the intelligence respecting the Connecticut claims to land in Pennsylvania. He was subsequently, in 1792, appointed to survey the Ten Islands in the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, and divide the several tracts of lands opposite Pittsburgh into out-lots. David Redick was elected delegate to Pennsylvania's Constitutional Convention of 1789-90 and a signer of that eventual document. Redick was admitted as a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1789. On August 17, 1791, his friend, Governor Mifflin, appointed him prothonotary and clerk of courts of Washington County.  He held the office of Treasurer of the county from June 22, 1795, to June 23, 1801.

During the Whiskey Insurrection, he took a prominent part, - not on the side of the rebels, rather, "in defense of law, order, and the constitution." ¹ Redick was one of the Commissioners, William Findley the other, to wait upon President Washington when on his way out with the army, and explain the condition of affairs in the western counties, especially to assure the President of the submission of those who had been insurgents. He and Findley presented the document which represented the rebels' surrender to President Washington and Alexander Hamilton in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in October 1794.

Mr. Redick died at Washington, September 28^th, 1805, and was buried with Masonic honors. His gravesite is in the Old Washington Cemetery in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania. He was one of the most prominent men in Western Pennsylvania, and vied with Findley, Smilie and Edward Cook in the respect and admiration of the peoples of the western counties.

Mr. Redick left quite a large family. His son Jonathan Redick was educated at Carlisle, and in 1803, as a lawyer, removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where his father had large landed interests. His namesake, David Redick, Jr., was a lawyer, admitted to the bar in 1810, but lost his life in a dispute with a bank cashier, of whom he demanded coin for the notes of the bank. Redick's daughter, Eliza Redick, married Captain William Anderson, of Pittsburgh. Another daughter, Nancy Redick, married Dr. James Stevens, of Washington and inherited the family homestead. A third daughter, Sarah Redick, married a Mr. Swearingen, and a fourth daughter Margaret married, first, Mr. Israel of Philadelphia, who died early; her second husband was Detmar Basse, who was one of the founders of the Harmony Communistic Settlement. Two other Redick children (James and Rachel Redick) died very young.

See: "Notes and Queries: Historical, Biographical and Genealogical: Relating Chiefly to Interior Pennsylvania." Edited by William Henry Engle. Fourth Series. Vol. II. Harrisburg, PA: Harrisburg Publishing Company, 1896. Page 62-63,

http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1700s/redick_david.html

Crumrine, Boyd, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men. (1882)