unknown, fl. 1789; Extract of a letter from Baltimore to a Gentleman in Philadelphia
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09756.01 Author/Creator: unknown, fl. 1789; Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Letter Date: 13 November 1789 Pagination: 4 p. : 34.3 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Download PDF
One unaddressed letter dated November 13, 1789. Pertains to the firing of Baltimore's Postmaster, Mary Katherine Goddard. The author describes Goddard's work ethic as superior and satisfactory to all in Baltimore. Also describes her successor, Colonel John White as being able to attain the position through political manipulation. Mentions Goddard's financial situation in the wake of her job loss.
Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) was the postmaster of the Baltimore Post Office. She also worked as a publisher and was likely the first to print a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which revealed the signers' identity in January 1777. This is known as the Goddard Broadside.
This extract was sent to President George Washington to serve as evidence supporting the reinstatement of Goddard to her post. (See GLC01747 for George Washington's letter on her removal.)
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