Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Joseph Hewes (1730-1779) was a member of the Continental Congress from North Carolina. Previously, Hewes has spent over twenty years engaging in trade and business with Britain. He then was elected to the Provincial Assembly of North Carolina in 1766. Later, he became quite active in the fight for independence, becoming a promoter for the war and taking part in the creation of the Halifax Resolves, signaling the first official action for independence. At the time of this letter, he was serving as the Secretary of the Naval Affairs Committee in Congress, a position he held until 1779.
The letter's recipient, Samuel Johnston (1733-1816), also represented North Carolina in the the Continental Congress. Previously, he served on the colony's general assembly for sixteen years and was the president of the Provincial Congress in 1775 and 1776. He later became a United States senator and the governor of North Carolina in 1787.
Dated March 26, 1776, this letter was written from Philadelphia to Johnston in North Carolina. The message's content covers general intelligence, such as Congress dividing the colonies into districts, that British boats were "cruising on this [c]oast and had taken several Vessels," that Johnston should appoint more delegates to the Continental Congress if he wishes to have his colony represented, and that soldiers should be enlisted during the war for at least three years.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Joseph Hewes on Revolutionary War intellegence, Philadelphia, 1776
- Creator: Joseph Hewes
- Creation Date: 1776-03-26
- Subject Date: 1776-03-26
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Locations:
- Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- NC
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 22.9 cm x 18.7 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/18
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Founding Fathers of the United States
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- United States. Continental Congress
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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