William Penn and the Founding of Pennsylvania: A Documentary History

by Jean R. Soderlund (Editor)

On March 5, 1681, one day after receiving his royal charter for Pennsylvania, William Penn wrote that he believed God would make his colony "the seed of the nation." Penn wanted his Pennsylvania to be a land where people of differing languages and customs could live together, where men and women could worship as they pleased, where men could participate fully in their government. Such a land, Penn believed, would indeed be blessed.

Beginning with his petition to the king in May 1680 and ending with his departure to England in August 1684, this book contains the most important documents describing the founding of Pennsylvania. The letters, orders, petitions, charters, laws, pamphlets, maps, constitutional drafts, legislative journals, newspaper articles, memoranda, deeds, and other business records assembled here include Penn's own explanations of his desire to found a Quaker colony, his invitation to settlers, and his design for government.

Genres: American History, History

432 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1983

Reviews

[E Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough collection of the 17th century Quaker blueprint for the perfect society. I'm impressed by Penn's ambition and consideration towards Native Americans but his financial failings, petty squabbles and privileged position are self-evident. Despite the great freedoms promised, Penn's new society was equally oppressive in moral code and at times struggled to garner tangible assurances of migration. Includes precious details of the "Welsh Tract", a plan to found a Welsh-language colony in North America which regrettably fell into obscurity.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a different overview of how William Penn found Pennsylvania. Jean Soderlund looks at William Penn through his letters and documents created by him. The book is not a traditional biography. The author provides commentary about what the reader will see and then presents the documents in their full form. The book tackles many of the early dilemmas but focuses on three major areas. The conflict with Lord Baltimore over the boundaries, security with Indian nations, and the development of tolerant government in Pennsylvania. The other area that does not lend itself to the categories is the first chapter which focuses on getting the domestic affairs of the colony organized in England which is covered thoroughly. Overall it is well done and an interesting look at how Pennsylvania was formed.