Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Volume 106, Issue 3

What was the status of a resident of New Jersey or Pennsylvania on July 5, 1776, or for several months, even years, after the Declaration of Independence? When did a person living in one of the rebellious colonies cease to be the subject of George III and become a citizen of a newly constituted American state? Well into the nineteenth century, uncertainty persisted regarding citizenship acquired (or lost) during the Revolution. Turning to original sources, David Maxey brings into clear focus a family dispute over inheritance rights and the task the United States Supreme Court faced in determining the status of Daniel Coxe--either as a citizen of New Jersey entitled to inherit, or as an alien barred from doing so. Having heard the arguments of opposing counsel on two separate occasions, the Supreme Court announced its decision in 1808. Twenty years later, the Court measurably diverged from the rationale supporting that decision. -- Back cover.