Description:

WYOMING VALLEY: PENNAMITE-YANKEE WARS
JESSE LUKENS (1848-1776) Surveyor and son of Pennsylvania's Surveyor-General, John Lukens (1720?-1789). Fine content A.L.S. "Jesse Lukens" 1p. 4to. with integral address leaf, Augusta, [Penn.], Sept. 25, 1769 to his father reporting on various developments including a report of Pennsylvanians stopping a supply of wheat en route up the Susquehanna River to supply Connecticut settlers in the Wyoming Valley. In part: "...I wrote some time ago to Betsy to mention to you what I heard of concerning your Buffalo Tract and am convinced if you don't get it discovered before long that it will be Lost and therefore hope Health permit[t]ing to see you up here about the 5th Octr. at farthest. Col. Clayton and Dr. Evans are then coming up & will be agreeable Company and as York is but 12 Miles out of their way will come by there. I came here last night and found that the people have been hardy enough to stop the New Englanders Boats with Wheat &c but Col Clayton or Mr. Wallis will give more information of their proceedings....". Citing their royal "sea to sea" grant by Charles II, Connecticut attempted to settle northeast Pennsylvania in the mid 1760s, establishing the town of Wilkes-Barre in 1769. In response, armed bands of Pennsylvanians attempted to force the settlers out, but without success. Connecticut's claim was confirmed by George III in 1773. The conflict continued at the close of the American Revolution when Congress overturned Connecticut's claim. Another small-scale war ensued when Connecticut and Vermont sent armed men to help the settlers in the Wyoming Valley. The dispute was finally reconciled in 1799 when Pennsylvania recognized the Connecticut settlers land claims in exchange for the valley remaining a part of Pennsylvania. Very light toning along folds, small seal-tear, else fine condition.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
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