Details
McKEAN, THOMAS, 1734-1817, Signer of the Declaration of Independence (Delaware). Autograph letter signed ("Tho M:Kean") to Governor of Pennsylvania Thomas Mifflin, Philadelphia, 20 December 1790. 2 pages, large folio, 316 x 194mm. (12 1/2 x 7 11/16 in.), lightly browned, clean separation at central horizontal fold with two small losses (affecting two words), integral blank cleanly detached, but present.
"PEOPLE...ARE CONTENTED WITH THEIR PRESENT CONSTITUTION, LAWS AND MAGISTRATES AND... ENJOY CIVIL, POLITICAL & RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND HAPPINESS"
A glowing report from the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court "respecting the present state and condition of the people" under the new Constitution: "...For several years past public wrongs or crimes have been gradually decreasing, and this year they have diminished more than usual...the controversies and disputes of Individuals have been without exception accommodated by themselves or their neighbors, or submitted to the courts of Justice, where the decisions...have given very general satisfaction...From these observations it maybe safely concluded, that the people are actuated by a just regard for industry, frugality, order, morality; that they are contented with their present Constitution, Laws and Magistrates; and of course enjoy civil, political & religious liberty and happiness.
"Some doubts have arisen respecting...the High court of errorts and appeals under the new Constitution...a proper remedy will be applied...We shall not presume for suggest any other matter to your consideration..."
In Congress, McKean had been a strong advocate of a Federal Court of Appeals; he was instrumental in Pennsylvania's ratification of the U.S. Constitution and served three consecutive terms as Governor, beginning in 1799.
"PEOPLE...ARE CONTENTED WITH THEIR PRESENT CONSTITUTION, LAWS AND MAGISTRATES AND... ENJOY CIVIL, POLITICAL & RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND HAPPINESS"
A glowing report from the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court "respecting the present state and condition of the people" under the new Constitution: "...For several years past public wrongs or crimes have been gradually decreasing, and this year they have diminished more than usual...the controversies and disputes of Individuals have been without exception accommodated by themselves or their neighbors, or submitted to the courts of Justice, where the decisions...have given very general satisfaction...From these observations it maybe safely concluded, that the people are actuated by a just regard for industry, frugality, order, morality; that they are contented with their present Constitution, Laws and Magistrates; and of course enjoy civil, political & religious liberty and happiness.
"Some doubts have arisen respecting...the High court of errorts and appeals under the new Constitution...a proper remedy will be applied...We shall not presume for suggest any other matter to your consideration..."
In Congress, McKean had been a strong advocate of a Federal Court of Appeals; he was instrumental in Pennsylvania's ratification of the U.S. Constitution and served three consecutive terms as Governor, beginning in 1799.