August 6, 1776

This advertisement offers a different perspective on John Nixon, who took on the responsibility of reading the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Nixon had a “compting-house,” or counting house, where “Jamaica SPIRIT, West-India and Country RUM, MOLASSES, Muscovado SUGAR, and some DRY GOODS” were available for purchase. Nixon was following in the family business, as his father had been a shipping merchant.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne

TO BE SOLD, by MAURICE ROGERS, at Colonel John Nixon’s compting-house, Jamaica SPIRIT, West-India and Country RUM, MOLASSES, Muscovado SUGAR, and some DRY GOODS.