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Creating the state of Franklin... Benjamin Martin, famed optician...



Item # 642840

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August 01, 1785

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1785  Near the back is a small bit headed: "American News" which mentions that: "...the counties of Washington, Sullivan, and Green have declared themselves independent of the state of North Carolina..." because they: "...found themselves grievously taxed for the support of government without enjoying the blessings of it." This is a report of the short-lived "state of Franklin", a curious event in American history. Also mention that Congress is selling land i;n the Western Territory on the Ohio River, laid out in townships of 6 miles square.
Among the first articles is: "Brief Memoirs of the Late Ingenious Mr. Benjamin Martin...", who was a noted optician, instrument maker, spectacle maker, which includes a nice plate showing his portrait. Also within: "Old Ale Houses and Dancing Schools Described" "Bill Proposed for Regulating the Intercourse with Ireland" and "Crosbie's Attempt to Cross the Irish Sea in a Balloon" which is rather lengthy.
The plate called for is present, being a foldout, detached from the issue.
Complete in 92 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St. John's Gate, several tiny binding holes along the left spine, otherwise in nice, clean condition.

A very nice magazine from the "mother country" not long after the end of the Revolutionary War. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.

Category: The 1600's and 1700's