Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Virginian John Penn studied law under his uncle, respected lawyer and orator Edmund Pendleton. With the advantage of Pendleton’s teaching and his vast library, John Penn found himself practicing law by 1765.
After speaking out against the King of England in Virginia, Penn moved to North Carolina in 1774. There he joined a community dissatisfied with the growing trade restrictions and tax policies. Penn served North Carolina's Provincial Congress and later represented the colony at the Second Continental Congress.
In 1776, the Provincial Congress allowed its three delegates to vote for independence, but only Penn favored separation. His dedication to the cause eventually won over the somewhat hesitant Hewes to tip the North Carolina vote toward independence.
Penn's letter is to the delegates of North Carolina enquired about their military strength and dedication to the cause. He wanted to ascertain their ability and willingness to help defend North Carolina and the potential effects of continued warfare.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Penn, Hill, and Burke to the Delegates of South Carolina, 1779
- Creator: John Penn
- Creation Date: 1779-04-02
- Subject Date: 1779-04-02
-
Locations:
- NC
- SC
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 30.16 cm x 19.05 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 59/14
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Penn, John, 1740 or 1741-1788.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- Penn, John, 1740 or 1741-1788--Correspondence.
People
Other Keywords
- Congress
- Declaration
- North Carolina
- Penn, John (1740 - 1788)
- Signers
- South Carolina
- Thomas Burke
- Whitmell Hill
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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