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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Paca, William (1740-1799) to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05982 Author/Creator: Paca, William (1740-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 June 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 33.5 x 21.4 cm Order a Copy

States that Mr. Aspden, a merchant in Philadelphia, is now in Annapolis and is soliciting passage home with the British Governor of Maryland, Robert Eden. Asks that the Council of Safety promote his passage if possible. Postscript remarks upon his determination to form an independent government, "Government must be affirmed - instructions must be withdrawn - Powers must be given to your delegates to make foreign alliances - I speak seriously. I expect to be down in time." Letter damaged at center with losses affecting text.

Paca was a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress 1774-1779 and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer also served as a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress 1779-1781 and was a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Dear Sir
Mr. Aspden, a merchant of this City is [struck: about] now [struck: with you] in Annapolis soliciting a passage Home with Governor Eden [British Governor of Maryland Robert Eden] . I don't know whether the Council of Safety will think proper to interpose or suffer all, who are inclined to depart: but if they should interpose where persons are not known I take the liberty to assure you that Mr. Aspden is a gentleman of a very respectable character and a friend to our cause: I know him personally and flatter myself you will [text loss]oblige me [text loss] as to promote his if it lies in your power p[text loss]ge

Y' obd Hmble Servt.
Wm . Paca
Philad: 18 [struck: July] June 1776

A Hint government must be affirmed in instructions must be withdrawn powers must be given to you soley not to [illegible] foreign alliances - I speak seriously inspect to be drawn in Time -

Wh.

[address leaf]
The Humble
Danl of S.t Thomas Jenifer Esqr.
Anapolis
[free frank]
Free
W Paca

[docket]
W Paca's Letters
about assumption
of Government

Paca, William, 1740-1799
Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas, 1723-1790
Eden, Robert, Sir, 1741-1784

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