Whiskey Rebellion Negotiators David Reddick, Surveyor, Jasper Yates, Jurist, Involved in Lawsuit

DAVID REDDICK (d. 1805) was born in Ireland and moved to the colonies just before the American Revolution, settling in Lancaster, PA.  He became a surveyor with David Hoge. Reddick was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1782 and became a leading lawyer. He was a close ally of radical William Findley, was elected to the state legislature and rose prominently in radical circles, opposing the chartering of the Bank of North America in 1785.  He became vice president of the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council in 1788.  Reddick was a staunch anti-federalist.  He was involved in the Whiskey Rebellion, not on the side of the rebels but on the side of law and order. He and Findley presented the document of the rebels’ surrender to President Washington and Alexander Hamilton in Carlisle, PA, in 1794. (Research included)

JASPER YATES also spelled YEATES (1745-1817) was a Federalist and was appointed by the Washington administration to negotiate an end to the Whiskey Rebellion.  He sided with the patriots during the Revolution and in 1776 served as a commissioner to investigate native American affairs in Pittsburgh.

One page, ALS, 6 ¾ x 8 ½, May 2, 1788, Lancaster, [PA] Reddick writes to Yates, hoping that Yates has recovered money owed to Reddick by James Hay.

“I have been unfortunate both this and also the last time I passed through this Borough, on account of your absence.  The principle business on which I wished to see you is, the suit which you brought against James Hay in my favor for the recovery of about 18 or 20 pounds. I put the obligation into the hands of Thos. Smith Esqr. of Carlisle who tells me he sent it to you for the purpose afforded. I hope the money is come to hand ere now, if so, be so obliging after taking out of it such sum as you may think right for your services to send it to me to Philadelphia, as it will be convenient to me to have it ere I leave that place.  Sir, I am your most obt.

“Svt

“David Redick

“Joseph Yates Esq.”

Nice docketing on verso, including a name only address leaf to Yates, indicating the letter was hand delivered.

Folds, toning, some ink blotching, but overall very readable, and a wonderful Reddick signature.  Fine Americana involving two men who were steeped in negotiating and end to the Whiskey Rebellion.

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