Autographs
Major General John Armstrong and Indian Fighter James Stackpole Signed Petition French and Indian War Period at Carlisle, Pennsylvania Petition
JOHN ARMSTRONG (1725-1795). The Hero of he Battle of Kittanning, was one of George Washington's bravest and most successful generals, the First Brigadier General Commissioned (March 1, 1776) by the Continental Congress.
JAMES STACKPOLE (2nd). Early Pennsylvania Settler who did not flee in the French and Indian War, became a noted Colonial leader and Indian Fighter.
c. 1759 French & Indian War Period, Choice Content Manuscript Petition Document Signed, "John Armstrong" and "James Stackpole", also Endorsed by other local Carlisle, Pennsylvania Colonial Leaders, Very Fine. Petition is boldly signed on the second page with vivid large brown ink signatures including: "Fra(ncis) West," "John Armstrong," "Jno. Byers," and "Jno. McNight". Colonel JOHN ARMSTRONG led the "Armstrong Expedition" of the Pennsylvania militia and during the historic Battle of Kittanning, during Forbes Expedition of 1758. This Petition Document has two written legal folio size pages, measuring 12.5" x 8" being written at Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1759). It is handwritten on fine quality clean watermarked laid period paper. Overall, this document is well written in rich brown ink, boldly signed, and is in easily readable condition.
This contemporary French and Indian War Period Petition begs for the relief of James Stackpole, who was fined by the Province for selling liquor to militia soldiers who were stationed in Carlisle in 1758. This Petition is archivally tipped onto a larger protective sheet having a couple of trivial marginal and fold reinforcements. This Petition reads, in part:
"... That your Petitioner a Mason by Trade being about two years free from Indenture, Ser'vd in the Town of Carlisle afors'd, And building at these Time of General Distress -- Your petitioner having a Family to maintain was induc'd last Summer at the Time Colo. Stanwix's Battalion lay at said Town to Sell to the Soldiers Liquors by Retail without having your Honours License, the Profits arising thereon being too small to support it -- for which Misdemeanor your Petitioner was Indicted last October Term ... That under these Circumstances your Petitioner is like to be reduc'd to extream (sic) Poverty ... humbly Prayeth that your Honour will be pleased to ... extend your Charity to the distres'd Condition of your Poor Petitioner ..."
The Docket on the final page on its blank reverse reads: "Petition - James Stackpole - Carlisle."
James Stackpole, came to Pennsylvania's Juniata Valley from Carlisle previous to 1776. He was one of the few settlers who did not flee from the valley because of the incursion of the French and Indians, and their destruction of Fort Granville, situated a short distance west of Lewistown, Pa., on July 30, 1756.
He had others, by petition "to the Hon. Robert H. Morris, Esq., Lieutenant, Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania," read in general council August 21, 1756, called for troops to protect them while gathering in their harvests, from the attacks of the Indians and their equally save French allies, and other renegades, who were harassing this section of the province.