Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson

John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and Delaware was a pivotal leader in the American colonies’ resistance to British rule. Though his Quaker-inspired opposition to violence prevented him from signing the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, Dickinson played a critical role in advancing the cause of American freedom. As one of the wealthiest men in the colonies, he actively shaped the movement, serving as the lead draftsman in national congresses and inspiring the public through his influential Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania. His writings educated colonists on their rights and non-violent ways to defend them, uniting Americans in a shared struggle for liberty.

Though he refused to sign the Declaration, Dickinson remained deeply committed to the nation’s founding. He continued his service as a congressman, governor of Delaware and Pennsylvania, president of the Annapolis Convention, delegate to the Federal Convention, and president of Delaware’s constitutional convention. His close association with Quaker values led him to embrace progressive stances rare for his time, including advocating civil disobedience, freeing his enslaved people, and supporting abolition, women’s rights, and protections for Indigenous peoples, prisoners, and the poor. He even volunteered for active service in the Delaware militia during the War of Independence.

Yet, despite his profound contributions, Dickinson’s legacy was diminished by early chroniclers who, influenced by his political rivals, misrepresented him as a Loyalist and a coward. In this authoritative and engaging biography, Jane Calvert offers the first comprehensive account of Dickinson’s life, restoring his rightful place among the key figures of America’s founding era.

To Be Featured In A Mount Vernon Book Talk On January 16, 2025