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Written from Reading, England, on October 2, 1718, the letter is addressed “Dear Brother” and sent to John’s younger brother Thomas Penn [1702–1775], who subsequently became Pennsylvania’s principal proprietor. The reverse bears the contemporary address “For Thomas Penn” and retains its original red wax seal.
John reports the death and burial of Mary Chandler, referring discreetly to the family’s “distemper” and advising that the cause of death be described to the children as a fever. He also mentions their sister Peggy, “Aunt Lowther,” “Uncle Richard,” and other family members. These names provide compelling internal evidence of its place within the immediate family of William Penn.
The letter was written approximately two months after William Penn’s death, during the consequential period when his heirs assumed control of the Pennsylvania proprietorship. John Penn was born in Philadelphia and inherited the largest interest in the colony; Thomas later became its principal proprietor.
One manuscript sheet, handwritten on both sides, signed “John,” with integral address panel and red wax seal. Later docketing and manuscript notations appear on the address side.
Condition: Poor but stable and substantially legible. Heavy overall toning and staining; extensive fold separations, edge losses, small holes, ink corrosion, and old corner reinforcements. Wax seal remains present. Offered as found and sold with all faults clearly photographed. No modern restoration has been attempted.
