Books and Manuscripts

"Now allow me to give you a Sentiment, Health, Peace, Prosperity, to each Individual now present, and Perpetuity to the State in Schuylkill"

("The Castle", Rambo's Rock, Philadelphia, March 4, 1837). One sheet, 9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in. (251 x 200 mm). Manuscript speech from State in Schuylkill Governor William Wharton Fisher (1785-1838), given to members of the State in Schuylkill in response to an address of commendation from Philadelphia Mayor and State in Schuylkill member, John Swift (1790-1893), at a dinner held on presidential inauguration day and in honor of newly sworn-in eighth president Martin Van Buren: "Mr. President & fellow Citizens of the State in Schuylkill/I rise, but my Heart is so full, that I scarcely know how to/express my Acknowledgemts (sic), for the Honor you have done/me, in drinking my health, for which permit me to return/you my Sincere thanks; and before I sit down allow me/to add a few words. When you elected me Governor of your/Honorable and Ancient Society I esteemed it the proudest/day of my Life & I never expected to experience such another/but the Honor you have this day Confered (sic) on me, by/giving so public & flatering (sic)..." Creasing from original folds; scattered minor wear along edges; small spotting in top margin; docketed on verso, "Wm W Fisher's answer to the/Address of John Swfit Esq./at the Dinner March 4/1837".

The State in Schuylkill, also known as the Schuylkill Fishing Company, was the first angling club in America, and is the oldest and continuously operating social club in the English-speaking world (a claim contested by White's gentlemen's club in London). Founded in 1732 by 27 Quakers, including William Penn's assistant, and future mayor of Philadelphia, James Logan, the club has operated in numerous locations along the banks of the Schuylkill River, and holds 13 fishing days annually around the yearly shad migration, from May through October. William Wharton Fisher was elected fifth governor of the club after the retirement of Thomas Morris (1774-1841). He was a member of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club, president of the Philadelphia Hose Company from 1820-24, manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1824-38. He was elected a Citizen of the State in Schuylkill on October 2, 1811, and governor on November 6, 1834.