Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828 edition. Excerpt: ... ROBERT MORRIS. The Declaration of Independence was signed on behalf of the state of Pennsylvania by nine delegates, Robert MorBis, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John MorTon, George Cxymer, James Smith, George Tayioh, James Wixson, and George Ross. The first of these, Robert Morris, was born in Lancashire, in the month of January, 1733-4, 0. S. of respectable parentage; his father being a merchant of some eminence in Liverpool, and extensively engaged in trade with the American colonics. Mr. Morris, having formed the design of emigrating, embarked for America, leaving his son under the care of his grandmother, to whom he was extremely attached. Having established himself at Oxford, on the river Treadhaven, Talbot county, Maryland, ho sent to England for young Morris, who arrived at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Morris did not enjoy the benefits of a classical education. He was placed under the tuition of one Annan, at that time one of the few teachers in Philadelphia, and his progress in learning does not appear to have been very rapid. This probably arose more from the incompetency of the master than the deficiency of the scholar; for, in reply to the dissatisfaction expressed by his father at his little improvement, he observed, "I have learned, sir, all that he could teach me." His father, at this period, carried on an extensive business, as agent for vessels from Liverpool. Having invited a large party to dine on board of one of these ships, he was returning to shore in the yawl, after the conclusion of the festivity when the captain fired a salute in honour of the occasion, although in opposition to the expressed injunction of Mr. Morris. A wad from one of the guns unfortunately struck, and inflicted a severe wound on his arm, ...
