Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Prior to 1776, Benjamin Franklin spent many years representing colonial interests in Britain. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1775 and the colony quickly voted for him as a representative to the Second Continental Congress.
Franklin believed separation from Britain to be inevitable by the spring of 1776. The Pennsylvania delegates had difficulty forming a consensus on the question of independence. Franklin’s devotion to the cause helped sway fellow delegate James Wilson, which allowed the vote for independence on July 2, 1776 to be unanimous among 12 colonies, with New York abstaining.
Franklin’s letter described upcoming negotiations with France and the success of military efforts in the South. Written just a few days after the Declaration signing on August 2, 1776, this letter illustrated the immediate and constant need for planning and action during the Revolutionary War.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Franklin, Harrison, and Morris on Revolutionary War, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1776
- Creator: Benjamin Franklin
- Creation Date: 1776-08-07
- Subject Date: 1776-08-07
- Location: Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 31.75 cm x 20.0025 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/11
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes.
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
- Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790. Correspondence. Selections
- Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
- Harrison, Benjamin, approximately 1726-1791--Correspondence.
- Morris, Robert, 1734-1806--Correspondence.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes--Congresses.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Naval operations.
People
Other Keywords
- Canada
- Continental Army
- Declaration of Independence
- France
- International relations
- Militia
- Negotiations
- Revolutionary War
- Signers
- War of Independence
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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