Description:

Richard Varick, NYC Mayor, Prohibits "Cock-fighting, Gaming, or Playing with Cards or Dice…" in Lower Manhattan Tavern in 1796

A 1p document signed by Richard Varick (1753-1831), then 45th Mayor of New York City, as "Richd.. Varick" at lower right. The bold and dark signature measures 5.125" x 2.5" alone. Signed in New York City on March 22, 1796. Partly handwritten and partly printed on a single sheet of paper. Docketed verso. Expected folds, even overall toning, isolated foxing, and a few chipped edges, else very good to near fine. 8.75" x 13."

This document, number 584, granted a tavern-keeping license to one John Ruthven, an inhabitant of the Third Ward and a turner by trade. An 1811 map of New York City shows the Third Ward as being located between Liberty and Murray streets in the Lower West Side of lower Manhattan, in the general vicinity of the site of the old World Trade Center complex.

The document states in part: "Whereas the said John Ruthven on the Day of the Date hereof hath obtained a Licence [sic] to keep an Inn or Tavern for retailing strong or spirituous Liquors in his Dwelling-House, in the said City, from the Date of the said Licence [sic] until the first Day of March next.

Now, the Condition of this Recognizance is such, That if the said John Ruthven do not, during the Time that he shall keep an Inn or Tavern, keep a disorderly Inn or Tavern, or suffer or permit any Cock-fighting, Gaming, or Playing with Cards or Dice, or keep any Billiard-Table, or other Gaming-Table, or Shuffle-Board, within the Inn or Tavern by himself to be kept, or within any Out-House, Yard or Garden belonging thereunto; this Recognizance be void, else to remain in full Force…"

Richard Varick served eleven consecutive 1-year terms as Mayor of New York City between 1789-1801. Before his mayoral career, Varick served as General George Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War. Varick was also instrumental in codifying many of modern New York City's laws as Recorder of the city.

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.

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