Specialists in the late colonial period and the American Revolution will
know about Robert Carter Nicholas, but perhaps other historians may not.
He became treasurer of Virginia following the death of Speaker/Treasurer
John Robinson in 1766 and restored the honor and credit of the state's
finances. And he is responsible for one of my favorite lines, although I
do not have the source at hand in the office and may quote it inexactly:
Late in 1776 or in 1777, after ten years as treasurer, he resigned the
office and in his letter of resignation told the General Assembly that
he retired from the office as he had entered it, with clean hands and
empty pockets.

Brent Tarter
The Library of Virginia
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