M-042: Harrison, Benjamin

DATE: 10 May 1789

CREATOR: Harrison V, Benjamin (April 5, 1726 – April 24, 1791), Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

EXTENT: 1 letter, dated, autographed letter signed. Accompanying transcription and mailing envelope. Short history with context of letter.

SCOPE: This is based upon a personal handwritten letter by the eighteenth century Virginia planter and politician Benjamin Harrison (1726-1801) to another prominent Virginian, Colonel William Hunter, Esq. Mayor of Alexandria VA, concerning the sending of freight by water. The contents of this file includes:

1. a) An embedded photo copy of the Harrison letter in his hand
   b) A transcription of the letter and cover mailing envelope
   c) A short history illuminating Benjamin Harrison and his correspondent William Hunter

HISTORY: - Benjamin Harrison (V) (1726-1801) was born on April 5, 1726 at Berkeley Plantation, the eldest son of Benjamin Harrison IV. Berkeley Plantation is still situated on the James River. Benjamin's mother, Ann Carter, was the daughter of Robert “King” Carter whose family like the Harrison’s was a force in Virginia and American politics.

Eight of the Harrison’s children survived to adulthood. Their most famous son was William Henry Harrison, the American general in the victory over the Indians at Tippecanoe, and who was elected President of the United States in 1840. Their great-grandson, Benjamin Harrison, a Civil War general, was also elected President, in 1888.

View additional historical and biographical notes.

ACCESS: This is collection M-042. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.

RESTRICTIONS: None

Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”

TRANSCRIPTION