James Smith on his feelings at the Second Continental Congress to his wife, Baltimore, 1776

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

James Smith (1719-1806) was a representative from Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress. Initially a lawyer, Smith worked his way to captain of the Shippensburg, Pennsylvania militia. In 1774, he wrote a paper that called for the colonies to boycott all British goods, a radical idea at the time. He also attended the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in 1776.

The letter is written to Smith's wife, Eleanor Smith (1729-1808), in Yorktown, Pennsylvania. In the letter, dated December 31, 1776, Mr. Smith writes of his time at the Second Continental Congress in Baltimore. He assures his wife that "every body here are extremely kind and obliging" and that they are constantly lightening his mood. In addition, General Washington "has given new life and spirits to everybody" in Congress, he writes. He also asks Mrs. Smith to send him various articles of clothing that he left at home.

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About This Item

  • Title: James Smith on his feelings at the Second Continental Congress to his wife, Baltimore, 1776
  • Creator: James Smith
  • Creation Date: 1776-12-31
  • Subject Date: 1776-12-31
  • Locations:
    • Baltimore, MD
    • York, York County, PA
    • Shippensburg, Cumberland, Franklin County, PA
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 32.3 cm x 20.3 cm
  • Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 59/21
  • Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
  • Object Type: Text

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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