Description:

THOMAS STONE
(1743 - 1787) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland and wealthy businessman, he later refused to sign the Articles of Confederation and declined to attend the Constitutional Convention. Fine content partial A.L. (unsigned), 2pp. 8vo., [n.p., n.d. buy likely Maryland, ca 1776], to 'Mr. Green', with a later pencil note indicating it was directed to 'Frederick Green', who was Maryland's official colonial government printer and who was also charged with printing the colony's official currency. The letter, with a good deal of text lost, still contains some intriguing tidbits. Clearly, Stone hoped this missive would be found fir to publish. It reads, in part: '...I am very sorry that no one thro' your paper has yet attempted to heal the wound, or proposed some method of Reconciliation between the Parliament of Great Britain & the Colonies...[in] the interest of the Mother & her Children...the Harmony & Union that may from time to time ...up between them...ever Cement this Family...[in] Union, this must be obvious to every one...[ri]sing Storm might be e[x]posed and dissipated...attempt to Levy Money without [the?] consent of them...power assumed by the British...occasioned by the late Wars is certain...incurred by [he inserts 'British'] America, it is but reasonable she should contri[ve?] something towards her Protection...called upon the Colonies for aid...usurping unconstitutional Powers...I suppose that the Colonies could not have granted such aid; it is the intent of Great Britain [and,?] the Colonies that an expedient should be proposed, to Quench that...brand of Sedition in the late Act of Parliament ...Judges of Vice Admiralty...offering appointments for the collection of monies arising ...in this Province...'. As mentioned, a very substantial amount of text has been lost, though what remains is certainly intriguing and worthy of research. On May 15, 1776, Stone voted in favor of drafting a declaration of independence, in spite of restrictions from the Maryland convention that prevented their delegates from supporting it. In June the restriction was lifted, so Maryland's delegates were free to vote for Independence. Previously, and as shown in this letter, Stone had been in favor of opening diplomatic relations with Great Britain and not going to war, as he was not only a pacifist but a conservative reluctant to start a costly war.

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December 6, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

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