Home > Back to Search Results >
Much like the Olive Branch Petition... Reaction by the soldiers to reading the "...Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms"...
Much like the Olive Branch Petition... Reaction by the soldiers to reading the "...Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms"...
Item # 687100
July 26, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 26, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Post Battle of Bunker Hill
A terrific issue, as the entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with a terrific follow-up to the Olive Branch Petition, in fact, written just 3 days after it, in which the Continental Congress points out the many issues with its relations with England, detailing how it has been poorly treated and ending with some hope that sanctions can be lifted and a better order restored to the American colonies. Addressing the same issues as the Olive Branch Petition which was written to the King, this petition was written to the people of England, headed: "The Twelve United Colonies, by their Delegates in Congress, to the Inhabitants of Great Britain. Friends, countrymen, and Brethren! "
The text begins: "By these, & by every other appellation that may designate the ties which bind us to each other, we entreat your serious attention to this our second attempt to prevent their dissolution..." At its conclusion on pg. 2 it is signed in type by the President of Congress: John Hancock & is dated at Philadelphia, July 8, 1775.
This is a very significant & underrated document, obscured by the significance of the similar "Olive Branch Petition" to the King of England.
More fine war-related content inside including a terrific & rare account of the reading of one of the war's most notable documents. Page 3 has an item: "You are not to enlist any deserter from the ministerial army, nor any stroller, Negro or vagabond or person suspected of being an enemy to the Liberty of America..." and other details on who can be taken into the army, signed in type: "Cambridge this 10th day of July, 1775. Horatio Gates, Adj. General."
A report from Cambridge includes: "...the several regiments quartered in this town...the Rev. Dr. Langdon, President of the College, read to them 'A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, now met in General Congress at Phila., setting forth the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms.' It was received with great applause and the approbation of the Army, with that of a great number of other people, was immediately announced by three Huzzas...".
This is followed by yet another reading of this document, noting in part: "...by Major General Putnam...all the Continental troops under his immediate command assembled on Prospect Hill when the Declaration of the Continental Congress was read, after which an animated & pathetic address to the Army was made by the Rev. Mr. Leonard, Chaplin to General Putnam's regiment, and succeeded by a pertinent prayer, when Gen. Putnam gave the signal & the whole army shouted their load Amen by three cheers; immediately upon which a cannon was fired..." with more.
This was an exceedingly significant document, ranking among the most notable of the entire Revolutionary War, and rare to find a newspaper report of it having been read to soldiers, with their reaction.
More content on the back page as well.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, handsome engraving in the masthead, very nice, clean condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
Add to Cart
