The Founding of the American Episcopal Church: A Primary Source Document

​Offered here is an exceptional, handwritten Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by William White (1748–1836), the first Bishop of Pennsylvania and the legendary Chaplain to the Continental Congress and the U.S. Senate. Dated February 20, 1825, from Philadelphia, this letter captures the intersection of early American theology, law, and the landed gentry of the post-Revolutionary era.

​Historical Context & Content

​In this meticulously penned correspondence, Bishop White discusses the settlement of a high-stakes financial matter regarding "Godwin’s Bond." Of significant interest to collectors of the Hamilton/Schuyler circle, the letter explicitly names Philip Church, Esq. as the recipient of funds. Philip Church was the son of John Barker Church and Angelica Schuyler, and the nephew of Alexander Hamilton.

​The letter tracks a debtor from Detroit to Geneva, illustrating the complexities of legal collection in the expanding American frontier.

​Signature & Authenticity

​The document bears a bold, crisp signature: “Wm: White” with his distinctive, ornate paraph flourish. The handwriting is a quintessential example of early 19th-century copperplate, remaining dark and legible 201 years after it was set to paper.

​Condition Report

​Format: Single sheet, folded into two leaves.

​Paper: Period-correct rag paper with natural deckled edges.

​State: Very Good historical condition. Light, honest foxing and minor moisture transition at the margin consistent with 19th-century storage. No loss of text.

​Provenance: Private collection.