Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) was a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress. He moved to the colony in 1774 and was appointed the New Jersey bar just one year prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He was appointed by George Washington to be the first judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a position he held until his death at the age of 53.
The letter, dated July 23, 1776, is a request for a voting reform to occur within Pennsylvania. Addressed to the House, Hopkinson writes that following the Declaration of Independence, "Elections are now of greater Importance, if possible, than heretofore." His requested measure includes collecting votes exclusively by ballot to prevent fraud within elections.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Francis Hopkinson on voting reform, Philadelphia, 1776
- Creator: Francis Hopkinson
- Creation Date: 1776-07-23
- Subject Date: 1776-07-23
- Location: Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 34.2 cm x 20.2 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/22
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Elections
- Elections--Corrupt practices
- Founding Fathers of the United States
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- United States. Continental Congress
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers
- Voting
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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