Papers regarding the Paxton Boys and the Conestoga Massacre, 1764-1766, 1795
Papers regarding the Paxton Boys and the Conestoga Massacre, 1764-1766, 1795
Call Number: MG-614
1 box 5 folders, 1 clamshell box on shelf .25 cubic ft.
Repository: LancasterHistory (Organization); PV7
Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 13
Scope and Content Note: This collection contains four items related to the Paxton Boys and Conestoga Massacre. The April 1764 issue of The Gentleman’s Magazine includes an article about the Conestoga Massacre by Benjamin Franklin and a January 1765 entry in Charles Mason’s diary contains an analysis of the barbaric event and a commentary on the inhabitants of Lancaster. The manuscript copy of a remonstrance, signed by Matthew Smith and James Gibson and sent to Governor John Penn, lays out grievances against the provincial government and justifies attacks on Native Americans.
Creator: LancasterHistory (Organization)
Conditions for Access: Restrictions noted at the item level.
Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions. Digital images are available at Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform.
Language: English
Biographical and Historical Note: Please see Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform for historical overviews and more information. http://digitalpaxton.org/works/digital-paxton/historical-overview
Source of Acquisition: Source noted at item level.
Preferred Citation: Papers regarding the Paxton Boys and the Conestoga Massacre, 1764-1766, 1795 (MG-614), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Related Materials: Please see the library catalog for published works about the Paxton Boys and the Conestoga Massacre.
Please see Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform for digital copies and transcriptions of original documents; related publications and scholarly works; and educational material. http://digitalpaxton.org/works/digital-paxton/index
Processing History: Finding aid was created following DACS conventions.
Folder 1 Photocopies of an account and letter from The Gentleman’s Magazine. The original items are housed in Folder 4.
Photocopy of “Account of the Murder of a Tribe of Indians in Pennsylvania,” by Benjamin Franklin and submitted by “J. H.” The Gentleman’s Magazine, St. John’s Gate, London, pages 173 to 178. The account provides a narrative of the Conestoga Massacre, decries the act, emphasizes that the victims were ostensibly under English protection, and unfavorably compares the massacre to guest right customs of other cultures. April 1764. Text varies slightly from the original pamphlet and from the reprint in The London Chronicle or Universal Evening Post, April 1764.
Photocopy of “A Letter from Pennsylvania to a Friend in England; containing valuable Information with Respect to America,” by L. S. Jardine, M.D., The Gentleman’s Magazine, St. John’s Gate, London, pages 1024 to 1025. Generally favorable description of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. This letter advertises Northumberland County as a developing community, a juxtaposition to the frontier described thirty years earlier. December 1795.
Folder 2 Diary pages regarding Conestoga Massacre
Negative image of pages from diary of Charles Mason. 10 January entry contains account of Conestoga Massacre. Subsequent entries include account of Cresap’s War and travel throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. 10 January to 27 February 1765.
Negative of pages from diary of Charles Mason. Entries describe travel throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. 21 February to 9 April 1766.
Folder 3 Transcription of the manuscript copy of remonstrance from Matthew Smith and James Gibson to Governor John Penn.
They position themselves as representatives of public opinion, submit nine points that decry the perceived underrepresentation of the western counties in the Assembly and bill changing trial location of persons charged with killing Indians, allege that Indians under government protection conspired with others to plan attacks, lament lack of public funds for the care of wounded frontier residents, request new bounties for Indian scalps, request embargo to effect return of captives, accuse private individuals of trading and treating with enemies of the province, and requests Fort Augusta garrison be ordered to take more proactive measures. 13 February 1764. Original is restricted.
Folder 4 The Gentleman’s Magazine. These items are restricted. Please make an appointment with the Director of Archival Services. Please use photocopies in Folder 1.
Insert 1 “Account of the Murder of a Tribe of Indians in Pennsylvania,” by Benjamin Franklin and submitted by “J. H.” The Gentleman’s Magazine, St. John’s Gate, London. April 1764, pages 173-178. Various articles, letters, and anecdotes. The account provides a narrative of the Conestoga Massacre, decries the act, emphasizes that the victims were ostensibly under English protection, and unfavorably compares the massacre to guest right customs of other cultures. Reprint of Franklin’s pamphlet of the same title. Text varies slightly from the original pamphlet and from the reprint in The London Chronicle or Universal Evening Post, April 1764. Gift of Paul Ware, 2001. Transferred from Document Collection.
Insert 2 “A Letter from Pennsylvania to a Friend in England; containing valuable Information with Respect to America,” by L. S. Jardine, M. D. The Gentleman’s Magazine, St. John’s Gate, London. December 1795, pages 1024-1025. Various articles, letters, and anecdotes. Generally favorable description of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. This letter advertises Northumberland County as a developing community, a juxtaposition to the frontier described thirty years earlier. Gift of Paul Ware, 2001. Transferred from Document Collection.
Item 5 Manuscript copy of remonstrance from Matthew Smith and James Gibson to Governor John Penn. They position themselves as representatives of public opinion, submit nine points that decry the perceived underrepresentation of the western counties in the Assembly and bill changing trial location of persons charged with killing Indians, allege that Indians under government protection conspired with others to plan attacks, lament lack of public funds for the care of wounded frontier residents, request new bounties for Indian scalps, request embargo to effect return of captives, accuse private individuals of trading and treating with enemies of the province, and requests Fort Augusta garrison be ordered to take more proactive measures. Handwritten copy, perhaps draft. 13 February 1764. Gift of Paul and Judy Ware, 2009. This item is restricted. Please make an appointment with the Director of Archival Services. You may use the transcription in Folder 3.
Folder 6 “Narrative of the Late Massacres in Lancaster County, of a Number of Indians, Friends to this Province; by Persons unknown. With some Observations on the same,” by [Benjamin Franklin]. The London Chronicle or Universal Evening Post, London. Vol. 15, no. 140, April 1764, pages 347-349. Various articles, advertisements, and anecdotes. The narrative is a reprint of Franklin’s pamphlet of the same title. Text varies slightly from the original pamphlet and from the letter in The Gentleman’s Magazine, April 1764. Gift of Paul and Judy Ware, 2014.