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William Strahan letters
Comprising this collection are 39 letters, which were written from Strahan to David Hall in Philadelphia between the years 1751 and 1777. Most of these letters, however, date from 1766 to 1772. The collection is arranged chronologically in one box. The letters describe the British political scene,...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Collection: | William Strahan Letters |
| Collection Number: | Am.162 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to finding aid |
| Physical Description: |
0.2 Linear feet ; 1 box |
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| Access: |
The collection is open for research. |
| Summary: |
Comprising this collection are 39 letters, which were written from Strahan to David Hall in Philadelphia between the years 1751 and 1777. Most of these letters, however, date from 1766 to 1772. The collection is arranged chronologically in one box. The letters describe the British political scene, activities of Parliament in the crucial years before the American Revolution, East India Company affairs, colonial legislation, elections, the question of quartering troops in the colonies, disturbances in Boston, and other incidents leading to the War for Independence. There are references to Benjamin Franklin's travels, his friendship with Strahan, and his examination before the House of Commons. Strahan also occasionally touched upon on family issues and accounts.
In addition to the letters that are clearly marked as being from Strahan to David Hall, there are also a few letters Strahan wrote to David's son, William (folders 37-40), after David Hall's death in December 1772. Strahan's letter to William of 3 March 1773 (folder 37) is deeply personal as Strahan described his friendship with Hall, his feelings of loss, and his well wishes to William, his mother, and their family.
This collection also contains two letters from other people to David Hall: one dated 5 December 1761 from Richard Peters (folder 3); the other dated 7 August 1762 from Lewis Jones, Joseph (Jonson?), and John Price (folder 4).
These letters of William Strahan, London printer, bookseller, and associate of Benjamin Franklin, are addressed to David Hall, printer and merchant of Philadelphia, and to his son, William Hall. Many of the letters provide richly detailed and intelligent commentary on British politics and other current events. There are also discussions of trade, finances, and family matters. |