Penn, John, 1741-1788 to Richard Caswell
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00414 Author/Creator: Penn, John, 1741-1788 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: January 21, 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 30.3 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Co-signed by North Carolina Congressmen Thomas Burke and Allen Jones. Written in what appears to be Penn's hand. Penn was also a North Carolina Continental Congressman and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Written to Caswell as Governor of North Carolina. Mentions an enclosed and authentic "Extract of Intelligence" (not included). Says as the presiding magistrate of North Carolina, Caswell has a duty to stay vigilant against the enemy. They express fears "from the ill-judging class of our citizens, and from our negroes and should [the British] attempt to invade or penetrate any part of our country, we have no doubt of hearing, that the vigor and valor of our people will be exerted against them with decisive success." Want to know if Caswell needs any support from them, but they doubt they can send it. Says Virginia would no doubt help if North Carolina were threatened. Says they would have less fear for their state if the militia were completely armed. Says Virginia line is on the march to reinforce the Southern Army, hopefully in time to help Charlestown, South Carolina. They pass along information that the German princes are not allowing Britain to recruit troops in their kingdoms.
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