McKean, Thomas (1734-1817) to Thomas Rodney
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04819 Author/Creator: McKean, Thomas (1734-1817) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 August 1791 Pagination: 2 p. + addr. + docket 20 x 15.9 cm Order a Copy
In the summer of 1791 enemies of the Rodneys in Delaware were alleging that Caesar Rodney, Thomas Rodney's brother, had misappropriated funds authorized by Congress for an attack on Canada during the American Revolution. Caesar had died in 1784. McKean expresses his belief that Caesar's behavior with the funds was honorable, and Caesar's papers may reveal a contemporary letter from McKean to Caesar in which McKean spoke about the complex details of the transactions. If Thomas finds this letter, it will clear his brother: "With a view to afford some consolation to you in your present afflictions I have written this, and to advise you to bear up against the cruel attacks and treatment you have met with, hoping and believing your deliverance will come, and that the public as well as individuals will yet do you justice."
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