1802 PRINCETON SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENT SIGNED BY AARON BURR AND OTHERS

RARE 1802 PRINCETON SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENT SIGNED BY AARON BURR AND OTHERS

Historic Reconstruction Fund for the College of New Jersey (Princeton University)

Title:

1802 Princeton Subscription List – Signed by Aaron Burr and Multiple Early American Contributors

Description:

Offered here is an exceptional and historically significant manuscript document dated March 19, 1802, issued in Princeton, New Jersey, relating to the rebuilding of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) following the devastating Nassau Hall fire of 1802.

The document reads in part:

“We whose names are underwritten do hereby engage to pay the sums severally annexed to our names… for the purpose of re-building the said College, lately destroyed by Fire…”

This is a subscription (pledge) list, where individuals committed funds toward reconstruction and replacement of the college’s library and philosophical apparatus.

Signatures:

This piece is prominently signed by:

Aaron Burr

(1756–1836) – Third Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson, Revolutionary War officer, and central figure in the Burr–Hamilton duel.

Additional period signatures include:

Jonathan Mason

David Morris

Aaron Jolley (or similar reading)

Jonathan Dayton Youngest signer of the Constitution

Several signers indicate assent with “X” marks, typical of early 19th-century subscription documents.

Historical Significance:

This document directly relates to one of the most important early crises in Princeton’s history—the destruction of Nassau Hall by fire in 1802. The rebuilding effort relied heavily on public subscription, making documents like this a rare and tangible link to early American education and philanthropy.

The inclusion of Aaron Burr, a Princeton alumnus and one of the most controversial and fascinating figures of the early republic, significantly elevates the importance and desirability of this piece.

Condition:

Original fold lines as expected

Age toning and light staining throughout

Small loss at fold intersection

Ink remains legible and stable

Overall good antique condition consistent with age and use

Dimensions:

Approx. 7 x 8

Provenance:

From a private collection of early American manuscripts.

Authenticity:

Signatures are believed to be authentic period examples. Buyers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence or seek third-party authentication if desired.