Fordham, Stephen (fl. 1794) to his wife
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03111 Author/Creator: Fordham, Stephen (fl. 1794) Place Written: Bedford, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1794 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 33.2 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
A soldier's account of his experiences in western Pennsylvania near the end of the Whiskey Rebellion. Tells his wife that that they marched to Bedford, Pennsylvania, where many of the rebels were already being held as prisoners. Expects a trial and hanging soon. Notes the arrival of President George Washington in Bedford. Address leaf has some notes listing supplies.
...we have ben [sic] marching 7 or 8 Dys [sic] stedy [sic] and aam[text loss] Now at Bedford expectin [sic] to go on father [sic] we are in 14 [inserted: miles] of Aligaini mountain which we do soon expect to Cross we are Daly taken our enemies and confining them No trial has ben [sic] held as yet with any one but I expect their soon will be and I Do expect som [sic] will be hanged. Now Violance [sic] has ben [sic] oferd [sic] as yet and if they Dow I expect we shall put many to the sword...[2] I must let y[inserted: ou] now [sic] that the Prasedan [sic] of the unigted [sic] [inserted: States] has Ariveved [sic] this After Non [sic] at Bedford...
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.