Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
William Whipple grew up in Kittery. His father was a sea captain and his mother's father a well-respected ship builder. He attended school in Kittery and tutored under a Harvard-educated family member.
Whipple captained a merchant vessel after completing school and built a substantial fortune before the age of thirty. With relative financial security, he moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and went into business with his brothers.
Due to his strong character, he frequently served his community in various capacities. He served New Hampshire at the Second Continental Congress and strongly supported independence. He voted with fellow delegate Josiah Bartlett on July 2, 1776 and signed the Declaration in August of 1776.
In this letter, Whipple wrote to Josiah Bartlett about the effect of the war on the economy, specifically the price of certain goods such as sugar. He also mentioned the need to arm frigates and the aggressive nature of British ships towards trade vessels.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: William Whipple on Revolutionary War and economy, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 1776
- Creator: William Whipple
- Creation Date: 1776-09-02
- Subject Date: 1776-09-02
-
Locations:
- Portsmouth, Rockingham County, NH
- Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 33.65 cm x 20.95 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 59/28
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Bartlett, Josiah, 1729-1795--Correspondence.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- Whipple, William, 1730-1785.
- Whipple, William, 1730-1785--Correspondence.
People
Other Keywords
- Congress
- Declaration
- Governor Trumble
- Josiah Bartlett
- Philadelphia
- Privateers
- Ships
- Signers
- Whipple, William (1730 - 1785)
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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