Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Lewis Morris served New York at the Second Continental Congress with the intention of addressing grievances, but working with the Crown. Early in 1776, Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense circulated and Morris witnessed its effect on the populace.
By March of 1776, Morris believed reconciliation unlikely. The New York Assembly, however, still retained a desire for peace and refused to direct their delegates on how to vote. Morris and the others abstained on July 2, but finally put their support behind independence on July 9, 1776.
This letter from Morris to his son, Lewis Morris, Jr., demonstrates the risks taken by the Declaration signers and their families. Writing during the uncertain days after the Revolutionary War battles in New York, Morris inquires about the security of his home and family.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Lewis Morris inquiring about family after Revolutionary War battle, Philadelphia, 1776
- Creator: Lewis Morris
- Creation Date: 1776-09-13
- Subject Date: 1776-09-13
- Location: Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 33.655 cm x 20.955 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/8
- 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--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
- Morris, Lewis, 1726-1798
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- Morris, Lewis, 1726-1798--Correspondence.
People
Other Keywords
- Continental Congress
- Declaration of Independence
- Estate
- Family
- Lewis Morris Jr.
- Morris, Lewis (1726-1798)
- Morrisania
- New York
- Revolutionary War
- Signers
- South Bronx
- 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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