Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Matthew Thornton came to America with his family at the age of three. The Scotch-Irish immigrants settled near Wiscasset. In 1722, after narrowly escaping an Indian attack, the family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts where Thornton eventually became a doctor.
Thorton established his practice in New Hampshire and served as a surgeon in King George's War. In the mid-18th century, he served the colonial assembly and vigorously opposed the Stamp Act. He grew increasingly opposed to British policy and became a major player in New Hampshire's patriot movement.
Thornton served the colony at the Second Continental Congress, but did not take his seat until November 4, 1776. In full support of independence, he and five others signed the Declaration after August 2, 1776.
Written just days after his arrival in Philadelphia, Thornton’s letter to Meshech Weare stated he was busily involved with congress. He wrote of the British move from White Plains to New Jersey and the Continental Army’s efforts to prevent them from leaving the coast.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Matthew Thornton on congressional activity, Philadelphia, 1776
- Creator: Matthew Thornton
- Creation Date: 1776-11-12
- Subject Date: 1776-11-12
- Location: Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 33.02 cm x 20.32 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 59/26
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Thornton, Matthew, 1714?-1803.--Correspondence
- Weare, Meshech, 1713-1786--Correspondence
- Stamp Act Congress (1765 : New York, N.Y.)
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
People
Other Keywords
- Col. Bartlett
- Col. Tash
- Congress
- Declaration
- General Gales
- George Washington
- Innoculations
- Jersey Shore
- Meshech Weare
- Philadelphia
- Signers
- Small pox
- Thornton, Matthew (1714 - 1803)
- Vaccines
- White Plains
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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