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COULTAS, James. Autograph letter signed, written

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Passyunk: 7 February 1764. 1 p., single sheet addressed to William Ilison [but Ellison?] on verso (240 x 190 mm). Housed in a cloth chemise and green morocco backed slipcase. Condition: usual hole from opening with remnants of original wax seal, some browning and toning, some ink burn through, minor paper losses at the upper corners. a remarkable letter from a pennsylvania militia officer marching to meet the "paxton murderers." Although much of Quaker Philadelphia refused to arm themselves against the marching Paxton Boys, others rushed to the city to aid in its defense. "Eventually, nearly a thousand citizens took up arms and were formed into six companies of foot, two of horse, and one battery of artillery" (Hindle). James Coultas, along with volunteers from other outlying Philadelphia areas, were apparently among those, though probably arrived too late considering that this letter is dated the day that Benjamin Franklin negotiated peace. Little is known of Coultas, although he is listed as a Captain in the Philadelphia Associated Regiment of Foot in 1747 following Franklin's call for self-defense against the French and Spanish. Here he writes: "This is to inform you your Aunt and I laid at Bro. Grays. I seem better than I was and the selling of my Leggs is much Gone Down. I am coming to town w the Blockley, Kingsess & Darby Volunteers. Expect to set off from the Ferry at 11 o'clock. I should be glad of as many of my friends as possible to meet me on horseback wth their Fire Locks. Pray lett Irwin Kinsey & Hiltsheimer know immediately as my volunteers have only had notice since Eight o'clock last night. Pray go to Chas. Jenkins as soon as this comes to hand and request them to provide Dinner &c for at least 50 men. Good substantial dishes such as rounds & [unclear word] of beef Diet fit for soldiers & none of your nasty Tarts or any such Triffles. Pray send by Bearer a Line what further News is Now Going and when it is supposed we may be happy enough to see the Paxton murderers..." [With:] An incomplete portion of another autograph letter signed by Coultas relating to the Paxton Boys, written at a later? date.

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