McHenry, James (1753-1816) to [George Washington] re: explaining his absence from the Convention
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04842.29 Author/Creator: McHenry, James (1753-1816) Place Written: Philadelphia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1787/05/01 [06/01] Pagination: 1 p. + docket 32.3 x 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Misdated May. McHenry writes the Convention's president, Washington, that he was unable to attend the opening sessions because his brother lay ill. He did attend in August and kept a private record of proceedings.
Notes: Published in Twohig, Dorothy et al. The Papers of George Washington. Confederation Series, 5: 215-16.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Philadelphia 1 May 1787
Sir
I have just received an express from Baltimore informing me that my Brother lays dangerously ill, in consequence of which I set out immediately for that place. I write to communicate this circumstance to your excellency that it may be mentioned to the convention should my absence without leave be taken any notice of - With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir your excellencys Ob Serv
James McHenry
His Excellency
The President of the
Convention
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