Description
This collection contains letters, with
a few manuscripts and documents, from the Huntington family, a prominent Connecticut family,
who played a important role in the state and national affairs at the time of the
Revolutionary War. Chiefly consists of letters from Ebenezer Huntington (1754-1834)
describing his experience in the Revolutionary War and his political and social activities
from 1810-1830s, as well as some correspondence of Samuel Huntington (1731-1796), president
of the Continental Congress, and Benjamin Huntington (1736-1800) a Continental Congress
delegate, reflecting their legal practice and public service, and concerning procurement for
the Continental Army, work of the Continental Congress, political, and military
news.
Background
The Huntingtons, a prominent Connecticut family, played a important role in the state and
national affairs at the time of the Revolutionary War. The history of the Huntington family
goes back to Simon Huntington of Norwich, Norfolk, England who arrived to Boston in 1633. In
1660, his descendants were among members of a party that settled Norwich, Conn. During the
Revolutionary War, the Norwich Huntingtons played prominent role in the state and national
affairs. Besides Samuel Huntington (1731-1796), the signer of the Declaration of
Independence, President of the Continental Congress, and Governor of Connecticut, and
Benjamin Huntington (1736-1800), state delegate to the Continental Congress, among the most
distinguished members of the extended family were Jabez Huntington (1719-1786),
Major-General of the state militia, and his sons, Jedediah (1743-1818), Major General of the
Continental Army and delegate to the Constitutional Convention, Andrew (1754-1824), an
entrepreneur and Army commissary, and Ebenezer (1754-1834), revolutionary soldier and member
of the 11th and 15th Congresses.
Extent
2.33 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.