Dickinson Philemon

1pp ALS signed and inscribed overall by Revolutionary War veteran and early American politician Philemon Dickinson as “Philemon Dickinson” at bottom right. In near fine condition with overall toning and isolated minor edge wear located near creases. Professional repair to one small edge tear at center left page. Two areas of ink erosion causing tiny holes, one in salutation and one in “P” of “Philemon”. Page measures 7.875” x 9.75”.

Philemon Dickinson addressed this May 25, 1804 letter to “Wm. Tilghman Esqr, Philada” from his home in Trenton, New Jersey called the Hermitage. The letter treated a rather delicate subject: an advance of money. The letter in full can be seen below:

“Dear Sir,

Accept my thanks, for the prompt friendly compliance with my request, made some time since it arose, not from an actual want of the sum, but in apprehension of disappointment from a quarter where I had a right to expect nearly twelve times the amount -- in order to comply with an expected contract ‾ which, I could not suffer myself to violate ‾ I take it for granted the money was paid on 1st May, but not having had occasion for it, it remains in Bank ‾ by a letter recd this day from our friend E. Tilghman, he informs he, that he has good reason to believe, I shall receive advance? portion of my debt on 1st June ‾ in which case, I shall replace the money on my coming to Town, which I intend on Tuesday 29 July, I will see you after having had a conversation with him ‾ I deem’d it proper to make you acquainted with the circumstance, having assured you of my intentions of returning ? a short period ‾ I flatter myself I shall never make a similar request ‾ being the first in my life ‾

I am Dear Sir, very sincerely, yours,

Philemon Dickinson

Hermitage 25 May 1804”

In this letter, Dickinson conducts damage control. He stressed that he had never asked for an advance before, and hopefully never would again. Dickinson explained at great length how his request stemmed not from an actual money shortfall, but in anticipation of a business associate reneging on a promise. Dickinson thus rehabilitates his reputation; he is not only financially solvent, but he is acting honorably. The letter is thus informed throughout by eighteenth-century standards of masculine integrity.

Philemon Dickinson (1739-1809) was the younger brother of Founding Father John Dickinson (1732-1808). Like his older brother, Philemon Dickinson served as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War and engaged in early American politics. Philemon Dickinson was a delegate at the Continental Congress and a U.S. senator from New Jersey from 1790 to 1793. Dickinson retired to his estate the Hermitage after retiring from political life. The Hermitage, also known as the General Philemon Dickinson House, still stands today. Although part of the original building was razed, and some of the remaining structure considerably remodeled, the house is on the National Register of Historical Places. Dickinson died five years after writing this letter.

William Tilghman (1756-1827) was a Maryland plantation owner but also practiced law in Philadelphia after 1793. Tilghman served as a Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court between 1806 and 1827. The “E. Tilghman” that Philemon Dickinson refers to in his letter was likely an extended relative of William Tilghman.

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