1759 GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG Petition Signed

Autographs
Major General John Armstrong and James Stackpole Signed French and Indian War Period Carlisle, Pennsylvania Petition
JOHN ARMSTRONG (1725-1795). The Hero of Kittanning, was one of George Washington's bravest and most successful generals, the First Brigadier General Commissioned (March 1, 1776) by the Continental Congress.
JAMES STACKPOLE (2nd). Early Pennsylvania Settler who did not flee in the French and Indian War, became a noted Colonial leader and Indian Fighter.
Historic Content French & Indian War Period Manuscript Document being a Petition Signed, "John Armstrong" and "James Stackpole" plus further Endorsed by other Carlisle, Pennsylvania Leaders. Colonel JOHN ARMSTRONG led the Armstrong Expedition of the militia and during the Battle of Kittanning, Forbes Expedition of 1758, Very Fine. This original Document has two written pages, legal folio, measuring 12.5" x 8" written at Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1759). This Petition begs relief for James Stackpole, who was fined by the Province for selling liquor to soldiers who were stationed in Carlisle in 1758. The Petition is archivally tipped onto a larger protective collector sheet with a couple of trivial marginal and fold reinforcements. Overall, well written in rich brown ink, boldly signed, and is in easily readable condition. Docket on the final page blank reverse reads: "Petition - James Stackpole - Carlisle." Written on fine quality laid watermarked period paper that is quite presentable and clean. Petition is boldly signed on the second page with the vivid large brown signatures: "Fra(ncis) West," "John Armstrong," "Jno. Byers," and "Jno. McNight". The Petition reads, in part:
"...That your Petitioner a Mason by Trade being about two years free from Indenture, Ser'vd in the Town of Carlisle afors'd, And building at these Time of General Distress -- Your petitioner having a Family to maintain was induc'd last Summer at the Time Colo. Stanwix's Battalion lay at said Town to Sell to the Soldiers Liquors by Retail without having your Honours License, the Profits arising thereon being too small to support it -- for which Misdemeanor your Petitioner was Indicted last October Term... That under these Circumstances your Petitioner is like to be reduc'd to extream (sic) Poverty... humbly Prayeth that your Honour will be pleased to... extend your Charity to the distres'd Condition of your Poor Petitioner..."
James Stackpole, came to Pennsylvania's Juniata Valley from Carlisle previous to 1776. He was one of the few settlers who did not flee from the valley because of the incursion of the French and Indians, and their destruction of Fort Granville, situated a short distance west of Lewistown, Pa., on July 30, 1756. He had others, by petition "to the Hon. Robert H. Morris, Esq., Lieutenant, Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania," read in general council August 21, 1756, called for troops to protect them while gathering in their harvests, from the attacks of the Indians and their equally save French allies, and other renegades, who were harassing this section of the province.