Scope and Content Note
The papers of Joseph H. Nicholson (1770-1817) span the years 1789-1827, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1789-1817. The collection consists of correspondence and other papers relating chiefly to Nicholson's service as U.S. representative from Maryland and judge of the United States Circuit Court and United States Court of Appeals.
Among the subjects featured are investigations of federal departments, navy yards, and naval expenditures; the impeachment in the House of Representatives of Samuel Chase, associate justice of the Supreme Court; the capture of Washington, D.C., by the British in 1814; finance and appropriation bills; American and foreign stocks; and President James Monroe's handling of United States securities. Other topics include the presidential election of 1800; the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr; Maryland finances; slavery; naval embargos and impressment of sailors; and Nicholson's legal and personal affairs. Correspondents include Nathaniel Macon, John Randolph, and C. A. Rodney.