Dickinson, John (1732–1808)

American statesman. With law practices in London and Philadelphia, he espoused the colonial cause, but worked for reconciliation with Britain. His numerous political writings earned him the title of ‘Penman of the Revolution’.

He was born in Talbot County, Maryland. He was a member of the Stamp Act Congress (1765) and the First and Second Continental Congresses. He voted against and declined to sign the Declaration of Independence, but he then served in the American Revolutionary militia. As a member of the Constitutional Convention (1787) he supported ratification of the Constitution.