John Dickinson
Early Life
John Dickinson was born on November 8, 1732, in Talbot County, Maryland. He was the second son of Samuel Dickinson, a prosperous farmer, and his second wife, Mary (Cadwalader) Dickinson. His father was a well-respected member of the community, and his mother was a member of a prominent Pennsylvania family.
Education
Dickinson received his early education at home, under the tutelage of his parents and private tutors. In 1750, at the age of 18, he went to London to study law at the Middle Temple at the Inns of Court. He spent four years in London, studying not only law but also the British political system and the workings of the English constitution.
Legal Career
Upon his return to America in 1757, Dickinson began practicing law in Philadelphia. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and principled lawyer. He was known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to argue complex cases with clarity and precision.
Political Career
Dickinson's political career began in 1760 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania assembly. He quickly became a leading voice in the assembly, known for his eloquent speeches and his deep understanding of the law and the constitution.
In the years leading up to the American Revolution, Dickinson emerged as a leading voice of the moderate faction, advocating for the rights of the colonies while also urging restraint and negotiation with the British government.
In 1774, Dickinson was chosen to represent Pennsylvania at the First Continental Congress. At the congress, he drafted the "Declaration of Rights and Grievances," a document that outlined the colonies' objections to British policies and asserted their rights as Englishmen.
In 1775, Dickinson was elected to the Second Continental Congress, where he continued to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Britain. He was one of the few members of the congress to oppose the Declaration of Independence, believing that it was premature and that the colonies should seek reconciliation with Britain. Despite his opposition, he remained committed to the American cause and served as a colonel in the Pennsylvania militia.
Later Life and Death
After the Revolution, Dickinson served as the President of Delaware (1781-1782) and Pennsylvania (1782-1785). He was instrumental in drafting the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution, and he continued to be a leading voice in American politics until his retirement in 1801.
Dickinson died on February 14, 1808, at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. He was buried in the Friends Burial Ground in Wilmington.
Legacy
Dickinson's legacy is complex. He is often overlooked in histories of the American Revolution, in part because of his opposition to the Declaration of Independence. However, his contributions to the founding of the United States and the shaping of its constitution were significant. He was a principled and thoughtful leader, whose moderate stance and commitment to the rule of law had a lasting impact on the nation.