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Item Description
Up for sale is a fascination authentic piece of early 19th century American history. This is an Original 1817 State Payment Voucher issued by the Pennsylvania Auditors General's Office on December 16, 1817.
This Document details a payout of $136.00 to Benjamin Kelloggfor thirty-four days of service exploring the Susquehanna River under the official state legislative act passed on March 25, 1817.
The front features beautiful period calligraphy, clear typography, and a distinct geometric border on the left edge. It is officially signed by George Byran Auditor General and directed to the State Treasurer.
The reverse side contains a handwritten endorsement listing the document NO 98 and naming Benjiman Morgan as one of the active Commissioner's supervising the river exploration project.
Historical Significance
In the early 19th century, Pennsylvania aggressively funded surveys to improve inland navigation along it's vital riverways. The Susquehanna River was a crucial trade corridor, but it's shallow, rocky rapids made navigation highly hazardous. Documents like this directly record the State-funded efforts to map, survey, open up the river for safer commerce, making it a fantastic addition for collectors of Pennsylvania history, early American river navigation, or Political Ephemera.
