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Folio leaf, folded to [4] pp, each page 7-1/2" x 10." Entirely in legible ink manuscript. Signed at the end, "Pinkney James." The letter is written on the first two pages; third page blank; addressed with seal remnant on page [4]. Folded for mailing, Chip at blank corner from opening the seal [no text affected]. Very Good. Pinkney James (1794-1851) was a member of "Rising Sun's Founding Family." In 1807, he and his younger brother traveled 250 miles alone, to settle in Rising Sun, Indiana Territory, where his parents had settled earlier in that year. A historical marker currently stands in the town and reads, "Son of city founder John James, he helped his father with Rising Sun's original survey and plat. Pinkney built steamboats and had many other business ventures in town including two cotton and woolen mills employing more than 50 people." In 1815, Pinkney James was admitted to practice law in the local circuit court. [Historical Marker at Randolph Township, Rising Sun, Indiana; Breeze, Rising Sun's Founding Family, at online Indiana Historical Society.] Formed in 1800, Indiana Territory applied for statehood at its constitutional convention in Corydon. The convention ended on 29 June 1816. As part of the old Northwest Territory, the Constitution prohibited Slavery. Eleven days later James wrote to Uncle Daniel: "Our convention rose a few days since, and have agreed to except [sic] the terms of Congress for receiving them in the Union on the same footing with the other States. They have given it the name of the State of Indiana. The Constitution contains eleven articles, and from what I can collect verbally I believe must be a very good one. Our law remains as it was in regard to slaves." James extols the bounty of Indiana. "Our country has been very healthy this season which is an inducement to encourage the settlement here of my friends. After being about in your country three months and returning home again the soil looks so productive and the Citizens being so much at their ease that it is a fair paradise when compared to your country. I shall therefore recommend to all your countrymen to settle in this country.". Seller Inventory # 40149
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Bibliographic Details
Title: AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED 9 JULY 1816, TO HIS...
Publisher: Lawrenceburgh, Indiana
Publication Date: 1816
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
