Duane, James (fl. 1763-1785) to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: outrage at Great Britain and support for war
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 #: GLC03107.03331 Author/Creator: Duane, James (fl. 1763-1785) Place Written: Philadelphia, [Pa.] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1775/06/07 Pagination: 3p. + docket 32.8 x 20 cm Order a Copy
"Our publick affairs are at length arrived at the most dangerous Extremity. The ministry with inflexible obstinacy persevere in that inhuman system of Despotism which was contrived to rob us of our Liberties; and because we cannot submit to so humiliating a Condition they have drawn the sword against our suffering Friends as Traitors and Rebels, and the Authority of Parliament is called in to starve the Southern as well as the Eastern Colonies into base submission." Duane states that a war must be fought in order to obtain liberty, and believes that their ultimate victory will make all of their sacrifices worthwhile. He also discusses American relations with Canada and the Indians, and hopes that the British do not stoop to manipulate the Indians to achieve their own interests. Duane addresses Robert, Jr.'s concern that the war will hurt his iron manufacturing business, and states that although some losses are expected, iron will certainly be in demand throughout the conflict.
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.