12 September 1777

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Document signed

Title: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Lewis Nicholas, Alexander Nesbit and Samuel Caldwell.

Warrant ordering them to arrest Thomas Gilpin, Thomas Afflick, Charles Jervis, William David Smith, Thomas Pike, and Charles Eddy. The individuals were prominent Quakers, who were suspected of Loyalist sympathies. Signed as the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, one day after the Battle of Brandywine.

GLC03535

3 August 1791

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Rodney

In the summer of 1791 enemies of the Rodneys in Delaware were alleging that Caesar Rodney, Thomas Rodney's brother, had misappropriated funds authorized by Congress for an attack on Canada during the American Revolution. Caesar had died in 1784. McKean expresses his belief that Caesar's behavior with the funds was honorable, and Caesar's papers may reveal a contemporary letter from McKean to Caesar in which McKean spoke about the complex details of the transactions. If Thomas finds this letter, it will clear his brother: "With a view to afford some consolation to you in your present…

GLC04819

9 March 1782

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Autograph document signed

Title: [Response of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to a Constitutional question about fines and forfeitures].

In response to Timothy Matlack's inquiry of the twentieth section of the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania, Justice McKean gives the opinion of the justices that the chief executives ability to grant remissions of "fines" also comprehends remission of "forfeitures."

GLC06280

23 July 1800

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Document signed

Title: [Land grant to Isaac Wharton, David Lewis and others]

Partially printed document grants a parcel of land called "Stephen's Green," in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania to Wilhem Willink, Nicholaas Van Staphorft, Hendrick Vollenhove, Rutger Jan Schimmelpennicnck, Chriftiaan Van Eeghen, and Pieter Stadnifki. McKean signed as governor of Pennsylvania. Endorsed on verso by T. Matlock W. R. with seal of office.

GLC01245

December 5, 1792

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Letter signed

Title: to John Hay

McKean, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, instructs Hay, Treasurer of York County, to pay Henry Miller for service as a Pennsylvania elector during the first Presidential election.

GLC01501

December 9, 1788

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Document signed

Title: [Report of judges and the attorney general on the case of Jacob Dryer].

Also signed by State Supreme Court Judge George Bryan and Jurist William Bradford. Concludes that the state "Council may legally issue a warrant for the Execution of the prisoner..." Dryer had been convicted of burglary and pardoned on condition of leaving the United States. He violated that condition.

GLC01615

21 October 1781

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Printed document signed

Title: [Privateer's license for William Van Duerson]

Partially printed document signed by McKean as President of Congress and countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary of the Continental Congress. Identifies Van Duerson as the commander of the brigantine Middletown owned by Chauncey Whittlesey. The verso has a signed statement by Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull providing a physical descriptions of Duerson and his lieutenant, William Spencer, given at Hartford, Connecticut. Includes a paper seal.

GLC02542.18

October 8, 1781

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Reed

Written by McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as President of the Confederation Congress to Reed as President of the supreme executive council in Pennsylvania. Says that Brigadier General William Irvine (McKean has written Irwine) sets out tomorrow to take command of Fort Pitt and might need the assistance of the local militia. Sends along a copy of Irvine's instructions (not included here). Says he "rests assured" that every measure of support will be given to Irvine by the militia. Written 11 days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

GLC00131

31 March 1797

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Document signed

Title: Writ of habeas corpus for Thomas Huling

Partially printed document on blue paper. Counter-signed by Edward Burd on recto. Signed by judges Sam Laird and John Jordan on verso.

GLC00184.30

15 August 1805

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Document signed

Title: [Grant of Liquor license for George Giess of Salisbury]

Countersigned by State Secretary M. Thompson. Partially printed document grants Giess a liquor license and permission to keep a house of entertainment in Salisbury, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Signed by McKean as governor. Docketed by treasurer on verso, dated 1 November, 1805.

GLC00501

November 27, 1804

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Clay

Written by McKean as Governor of Pennsylvania to Clay as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. According to the docketed note of McKean, this is a retained rough draft of a letter to Clay. References Clay's letter of November 15, 1804. Clay claims there is a report of political intrigue to divide McKean's Federalist and Republican supporters (by this time his base included Federalists and moderate Republicans). McKean was a political chameleon, and was sensitive to any such division, which he denies is happening in this draft. Says it is not worthy of further notice, but thanks him for the…

GLC00989