1777 Thomas Wharton Jr., First President of Pennsylvania — Revolutionary War Express-Rider Payment Order
Original Revolutionary War–dated manuscript document signed “Tho. Wharton Junr., Pres.” by Thomas Wharton Jr., the first president—or chief executive—of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, July 8, 1777.
Issued in the name of Pennsylvania’s Executive Council, the document directs renowned patriot, astronomer, and state treasurer David Rittenhouse to compensate George Ginther for service as an express rider in Lancaster County during June 1777. The endorsement on the reverse acknowledges Ginther’s receipt of payment from Rittenhouse.
Wharton was elected president of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Executive Council on March 5, 1777, becoming the Commonwealth’s first chief executive under its revolutionary constitution. He governed during a critical phase of the war, including the British campaign against Philadelphia. His tenure was exceptionally brief: he died in office on May 22, 1778. Consequently, documents signed by Wharton as president are considerably scarcer than those of many other Revolutionary-era state executives.
The document is especially appealing for its connection with David Rittenhouse, one of early America’s foremost scientists and public servants. Rittenhouse served as Pennsylvania state treasurer during the Revolution and later became the first director of the United States Mint.
A tangible record of Pennsylvania’s wartime government and the express riders who carried official communications during the struggle for independence.
Condition: Fair, with considerable age toning, staining, edge wear and losses, old paper and transparent-tape reinforcements, fold separation, and areas of surface abrasion and faded writing. Wharton’s signature remains dark, prominent, and readily legible. The substantial condition issues are fully visible in the accompanying photographs.
Original Revolutionary War–dated manuscript document signed “Tho. Wharton Junr., Pres.” by Thomas Wharton Jr., the first president—or chief executive—of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, July 8, 1777.
Issued in the name of Pennsylvania’s Executive Council, the document directs renowned patriot, astronomer, and state treasurer David Rittenhouse to compensate George Ginther for service as an express rider in Lancaster County during June 1777. The endorsement on the reverse acknowledges Ginther’s receipt of payment from Rittenhouse.
Wharton was elected president of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Executive Council on March 5, 1777, becoming the Commonwealth’s first chief executive under its revolutionary constitution. He governed during a critical phase of the war, including the British campaign against Philadelphia. His tenure was exceptionally brief: he died in office on May 22, 1778. Consequently, documents signed by Wharton as president are considerably scarcer than those of many other Revolutionary-era state executives.
The document is especially appealing for its connection with David Rittenhouse, one of early America’s foremost scientists and public servants. Rittenhouse served as Pennsylvania state treasurer during the Revolution and later became the first director of the United States Mint.
A tangible record of Pennsylvania’s wartime government and the express riders who carried official communications during the struggle for independence.
Condition: Fair, with considerable age toning, staining, edge wear and losses, old paper and transparent-tape reinforcements, fold separation, and areas of surface abrasion and faded writing. Wharton’s signature remains dark, prominent, and readily legible. The substantial condition issues are fully visible in the accompanying photographs.
