Page content
Robert Carter Nicholas
- Born 1728
- Graduate of College of William & Mary
- Able lawyer
- Served 10 years as burgess
- Died 1780
Conservative Virginia patriot
Robert Carter Nicholas, like Speaker Peyton Randolph, Edmund Pendleton, and George Wythe, was one of Virginia's conservative patriots. A graduate of the College of William and Mary and an able lawyer, Nicholas served for 10 years as a burgess before becoming treasurer of the colony in 1766. Nicholas helped draft the resolutions of the House of Burgesses against the proposed Stamp Act in 1764, but opposed the "young hot, and giddy members" who supported Patrick Henry's Stamp Act resolves in May, 1765.
Introduced resolution for June 1 day of fasting and prayer
Nicholas introduced the resolution of May 23, 1774, setting aside June 1 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer in sympathy with embargoed Boston. He is also remembered for trying to prevent premature violence in March, 1775, by opposing Patrick Henry's resolution to raise 10,000 regulars "for the duration." Although Nicholas was never an advocate of independence, his legal skill and unquestioned integrity led to his appointment to the Court of Chancery in January 1778.
Multimedia and related links
-
Podcasts
- View descriptions
-
The Cherokee Nation
The modern Cherokee Nation is enjoying a renaissance in language and culture. Living History Demonstrator Paula Nelson shares the resurgence. November 16, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
-
Smallpox and the Covenant
America's smallpox eradication has its roots in 18th-century Boston. July 13, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
-
In Their Own Words
Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
-
Swordmaking in the 18th Century
Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
Video podcast: Watch (mov) | Transcript
-
African American Programs at 30
African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
-
The Native Tongue
Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009
Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
Image enhanced: View (m4a) | Transcript
- more...
- Quicktime 7 (free) is required to view the enhanced and video podcasts.
- Subscribe to our podcast RSS feeds:
Audio | Image enhanced | Video
-
Journal articles
-
"An honest, upright, and industrious man, a kind and obliging neighbor, and a good citizen"
-
"Treason is but trusted like the fox" - Shakespeare
Whatever Happened to Benedict Arnold?
-
About Faces
-
A Man of Firmness
Justice John Blair and the Letter of the Law
- more articles...
Shop Online
Historic Triangle
iCitizenForum
