Chain of Error: And the Mecklenburg Declarations of Independence. A New Study of Manuscripts: Their Use, Abuse, and Neglect

by V. V. McNitt

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Carmi Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because one of my ancestors, John Foard, was one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, signed May 20, 1775. The book I own is a reprint of the original published in 1960. The author began his research in belief that after the burning of John McKnitt Alexander’s home in April 1800 that nothing was left to back up the May 20th Declaration. He did in depth research into all available sources and effectively shows how one man, Professor Charles Phillips, D.D., LL.D. seemed to have made it his life’s work to discredit the May 20th Declaration even though he had information available to him that proved the Mecklenburg Declaration was not a hoax. The conclusion is the patriots of Mecklenburg County in 1775 did indeed draft and sign Declaration of Independence on May 20th, 1775. I gave this only 3 stars because it was a very dry read but really, what do you expect from a work of history published in 1960? Worth my time to read.