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Washington, George (1732-1799) [Appointment of David Rittenhouse commissioner for subscriptions of the Bank of United States]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02717 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Document signed Date: 19 March 1791 Pagination: 1 p. ; 38.9 x 44.3 cm. Order a Copy

Signed by George Washington as President, countersigned by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Appoints Rittenhouse one of the commissioners to seek subscriptions for the first Bank of the United States. Seal on left side.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States of America.
To all who shall see these presents, GREETING.
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity and ability of David Rittenhouse of Pennsylvania I do appoint him one of the Commissioners for opening subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that office according to Law; and to have and to hold the said office, with all the Powers, Privileges and Authorities to the same of Right appertaining, unto him the said David Rittenhouse during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Philadelphia the nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the fifteenth.

Go: Washington
By the President
Tho. Jefferson

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Rittenhouse, David, 1732-1796
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

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