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Reading the Declaration of Independence...

Item # 214349

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July 09, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, July 9, 1776  This was the very first issue this title published after the issue of July 6 (was a tri-weekly) which contained the very first printing of the Declaration of Independence in any newspaper. This date precedes the of issue of the Pennsylvania Journal and the Pennsylvania Gazette newspapers which carried their first printing of the Declaration of Independence (July 10).
Although the date and its proximity to the magical July 4, 1776 date would seem to be sufficient for this issues desirability, page 3 contains a  brief and somewhat inconspicuous--yet exceedingly historic--report noting that the Declaration of Independence was read, yesterday, on the steps of the State House, with a large crowd in attendance which reacted accordingly. The actual text reads: "Yesterday, at twelve o'clock, INDEPENDANCY was declared at the State-House in this city, in the presence of many thousand spectators, who testified their approbation of it by repeated acclamations of joy."  This is the first announcement of the Declaration having been officially announced to the citizenry of the colonies, in a Philadelphia newspaper, and in the paper which printed the Declaration in the previous issue.

There is other news items as well including: "Yesterday at the election for the Provincial Convention the following gentlemen were elected members: For the City of Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin..." and others noted as well. Also a Resolve from the Committee of Safety includes: "That we will march under the command and direction of our Brigadier Generals to the assistance of all or any of the FREE and INDEPENDENT STATES of AMERICA."

And yet another terrific item--actually a great dateline and signature--is on page 4, headed: "In Congress, July 4, 1776" and beginning: "Resolved, That the Board of War be impowered to employ such a number of persons as they shall find necessary to manufacture flints for the continent..." with more, and signed in type: John Hancock, President. I guess they had other business to attend to on that day as well.

Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, measures about 8 1/2 by 10 1/2 inches, some light damp-staining throughout but causing no loss of readability.

An exceedingly desirable issue with not only a desirable date, but with very historic content.

Category: Revolutionary War