Description:

Thomas McKean to John Penn, "one of the best Governors"

ALS, 1p, measuring 6.5" x 8.25", dated April 22, 1771, Newcastle, [Delaware]. A letter from Founding Father Thomas McKean to Pennsylvanian Lieutenant Governor John Penn (1729-1795), who was departing for England. This letter is a handwritten copy of the original, numbered 8 respectively, and initialized "M.K." at conclusion. That year in 1771, Penn reluctantly returned to Europe following the death of his father, Richard, where he would take over his duties as one of the proprietors of Pennsylvania. He would later return in 1773, however, to again take up the position of Governor which he served until 1776. Exhibits light toning, uneven edges, and docketing in pencil at bottom left. Else, near fine.

In full:

"Our supream [sic] court will prevent me the honor of waiting on you personally with my compliments before your departure for England, I must therefore solicit your permission to pay them in this way. I condole, Sir, with you, on the occasion of your leaving your provinces, and with the peoples for their loss of one of the best of Governors. Pardon me for wishing, that you may have a pleasant passage, to your native land, that you many [sic] enjoy many prosperous days and be favored with the choicest blessings heaven can bestow.

Mrs. McKean joins me in begging you will make our compliments acceptable to your good lady.

I know the value of your time too well and add any thing further, than to assure you that how great so ever the number may be of those who profess to respect & honor you, there is not one that does so with more sincerity than,

Sir,
Your Honored, most obliged/ and most obedient servant"

Thomas McKean (1734-1817) was an American lawyer, politician, and Founding Father. During the American Revolution, he served as a Delaware delegate to the Continental Congress, where he signed the Continental Association, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation. In his later political career, he would move to Pennsylvania where he served first as chief justice and then as the state's second Governor.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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