DeWitt Clinton, NYC Mayor, Appoints Apothecary "in the Almshouse of The City of New York"

Lot description

DeWitt Clinton, NYC Mayor, Appoints Apothecary "in the Almshouse of The City of New York" A document signed by DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828), then Mayor of New York City and future Governor of New York, as "DeWitt Clinton" near bottom right. Presumably signed in New York City on August 25, 1806. The document is inscribed in neat and flowing secretarial script. Bearing a remarkably intact wafer seal of the City of New York near lower left. Docketed verso. Expected wear including overall light toning, paper folds, and isolated chipped edges. Slight discoloration corresponding to mirrored seal impressions, and few scattered holes. Discretely repaired split verso. Else very good. 7.875" x 12.625." In part: "The Mayor Alderman + Commonalty of the City of New York in Common Council convened To All to whom these presents shall come Know Ye that we have nominated and appointed and by these presents and appoint Mr Richard Seaman to the Office of Apothecary in the Almshouse of the City of New York. To hold the said Office during our pleasure - In Testimony whereof we have caused the Common Seal of the said City to be hereunto affixed. Witness DeWitt Clinton Esquire Mayor of the said City this twenty fifth day of August 1806…" DeWitt Clinton was then serving the first of three terms as Mayor of New York City (1803-1807). While mayor, Clinton advocated for the construction of the Erie Canal. He also supported cultural institutions and centers of higher learning such as the New York Historical Society and the University of the State of New York. Clinton served as Governor of New York between 1825-1828. This appointment is particularly interesting because it relates to one of New York City's early almshouses. These city-run poorhouses provided a refuge for the destitute, homeless, mentally ill, infirm, and elderly, as well as orphans, prostitutes, and criminals. New York City's first almshouse was established at the city commons in 1736; its second almshouse, called Bridewell, was erected in the 1790s near the modern day City Hall Building. Almshouse officials were tasked with providing food, clothing, shelter, fuel, education, professional training, and medical care to its inmates. In the 1840s, New York City moved its complex of health and human services--almshouse, lunatic asylum, penitentiaries, and hospitals--to Blackwell's Island, now Roosevelt Island. Richard Seaman resigned from his position as "Resident Apothecary at the Alms House" in early 1808, according to Common Council Minutes from February 15, 1808. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!