From Shawn, “The “Learn of our Signers” is the best program that I have ever heard on the radio, many thanks!”

This week’s signer, Thomas McKean from Delaware:

Thomas McKean to John Adams, August 20, 1813 (Page 62):

When the business was finished, our president would not sign the petitions, and peremptorily refused to assign any reasons, until I pressed him so hard that he at last said, “it was against his conscience” on which word I rung the change so loud, that a plain challenge was given by him and accepted, in the presence of the whole corps [challenged him to a duel!]; but he departed the next morning before day, without an adieu to any of his brethren. He seemed to accord with what was done during the session so fully and heartily, that Mr. Otis told me frequently it gave him surprise, as he confessed he suspected his sincerity.

…

My paper is drawing to a close; so is my life. I am now in my eightieth year, therefore more than a year older than you. Had you not noticed the quiveration of your hand, I should not have discovered it; mine quivers very much when feverish, or agitated by severe exercise; my eyes grow dimmer, my hearing duller, and I have other symptoms of age; but why repeat grievances that cannot be redressed ? May you not only continue to enjoy, but increase your health and otium cum dignitate with every other blessing. Dear Sir, your friend,

McKean to Adams, June 13, 1812 (Page 14):

Our country is at this moment in a critical situation; the result is in the womb of fate. Our system of government, in peace, is the best in the world; but how it will operate in war, is doubtful. This, however, is likely to be soon put to the test, and I sincerely regret it.

McKean at the Pennsylvania Convention to vote in favor of The Constitution, (Page 301)

The law, sir, has been my study from my infancy, and my only profession. I have gone through the circle of office, in the legislative, executive, and judicial, departments of government; and from all my study, observation, and experience, I must declare, that from a full examination and due consideration of this system, it appears to me the best the world has yet seen

Our previous installments: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Benjamin Rush