Sell or Auction Your Necessity of Their Taking up Arms Broadsheet July 6 1775 for up to $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Sell Your Necessity of Their Taking up Arms Broadsheet July 6 1775
Below is a recent realized price for a Necessity of their taking up arms broadsheet July 6 1775 item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Necessity of Their Taking up Arms Broadsheet July 6 1775. Sold for $50,000.
The following are items we have featured in previous auctions:
The most influential political cartoon in the history of America, the ”JOIN, or DIE” severed rattlesnake designed by Benjamin Franklin and published in his ”Pennsylvania Gazette” on 9 May 1754. This incredibly scarce newspaper is the very first printing of the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon, and the only known copy apart from one other housed in the permanent collection at the Library of Congress.
Frustrated by the colonists’ inability to join forces against westward expansion by the French, Franklin created this cartoon of a rattlesnake, cut into 8 pieces symbolizing the American colonies, to dramatically impart the effective message: join together as one cohesive body, or die. Along with the cartoon, Franklin published an editorial in the newspaper, urging the colonists to work together, reading in part, ”…The Confidence of the French in this Undertaking seems well-grounded on the present disunited State of the British Colonies…while our Enemies have the very great Advantage of being under one Direction, with one Council, and one Purse…”
Little did Franklin know at the time that his symbol of the dis-united rattlesnake would echo over twenty years later to inspire the colonists to unite against the British – Paul Revere added the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon to the nameplate of his paper, the ”Massachusetts Spy”, and even later, with the ”Don’t Tread on Me” flag, any individual or group whose personal liberty is threatened. The phrasing has also proved highly enduring, likely influencing John Stark, the Revolutionary War General from New Hampshire whose toast, ”Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils”, inspired New Hampshire’s motto, and again suggests that personal liberty is one of the highest human values, and a founding tenet of the United States.
Franklin’s choice of a rattlesnake is curious for several reasons: as the timber rattlesnake was found throughout the colonies but not England, Franklin argued in an earlier 1751 editorial that the colonists should ship rattlesnakes to England in exchange for the criminals that England was sending to America. Franklin now, however, seems to fully embrace the rattlesnake as metaphor, and would argue, during the American Revolution, its virtues. Using a pseudonym to conceal his identity, he wrote in 1775, ”…she has no eye-lids-She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.-She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders…to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:-Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.-Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?”
While the British loyalists played upon Franklin’s symbolism of the rattlesnake, arguing that the colonists were deceptive and cunning, Franklin turned the characterization on its head, skilled and interested as he was in the art of propaganda. Ultimately, the symbolism would prove highly enduring and compelling: both the idea of uniting to fight a greater, more powerful enemy, and the power of a sudden, deadly attack by an underestimated opponent.
Four page newspaper (without advertising) measures 9.75” x approximately 15”, with an irregularly trimmed top edge. Expert restoration to head of snake, and light uniform toning, consistent with age. Newspaper has been well-preserved, in very good to near fine condition. One of the most important newspapers in America’s colonial history and a cornerstone of her philosophical underpinnings. Sold for $50,000.
The activities of the Continental Congress for the watershed year of 1776 are recorded comprehensively here in this first edition, first printing of ”Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1776.” Published by Order of Congress, by Robert Aitken: Philadelphia: 1777. This is one of just 532 copies which were printed in 1776, with substantially less than that available today, and is complete with the original printing of the Declaration of Independence on pages 241-246. According to text upon the title page, these records of the nation’s fledgling government were taken directly from the minutes of the Continental Congress. In addition to the Declaration of Independence, this volume chronicles the preparation for the Revolutionary War, as well as Richard Henry Lee’s 15 May proposal of independence. The book reads as a diary, with each day’s activities noted, including letters from ”General Washington” and resolutions such as one from 14 August 1776, in part, ”…his British majesty, in order to destroy our freedom and happiness has commenced against us a cruel and unprovoked war; and unable to engage Briton’s sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures has applied for aid to foreign princes, who are in the habit of selling the blood of their people for money…” Volume runs 512pp. plus index and measures 5.5” x 8.5”. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards, not original calf binding. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine. Title page is missing the top 1.5”. Chipping to bottom edge of front board and a stamp of the previous owner on the front pastedown. In very good condition considering age. A precious record codifying the founding of the United States of America. Sold for $6,083.
English Civil War Act Abolishing Monarchy in England
Historically significant and original from 1648, a broadside announcing the English Act to abolish the King of England, written by the newly established Commonwealth parliament. Dated 19 March 1648, the Act was officially passed in 1649 immediately after Charles I’s regicide, which occurred amidst Pride’s Purge, the violent coup d’etat in which the Army violently removed any dissenters from the House, including Charles I, who was executed in January of 1649. Act marks the beginning steps toward the Interregnum period in England, a period of a military and parliamentary control under Oliver Cromwell that lasted until 1660 when Charles II was eventually reinstated. The Act establishes the Commonwealth of England with unchecked executive and legislative power, in order to create legal basis of the Republic after Charles I’s execution. Though Charles II was proclaimed king by the Scots after Charles I beheading, this Act was passed immediately to prevent proclamation of a successor. Act is written in a terrifying tone of restitution and reads in full: “An Act For Abolishing the Kingly Office in England, Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging. Whereas Charles Stuart late King of England, Ireland, and the Territories and Dominions thereunto belonging, hath by authority decided from Parliament, been, and is hereby declared to be justly condemned, adjudged to die and put to death, for many treasons, murders, and other hainous offences committed by him, by which Judgement be [good] and is hereby declared to be attained of high Treason, whereby his Issue and Posterity, & all others pretending Title under him, are become incapable of the laid Crowns, & of being King and Queen of the laid Kingdom of Dominions, or either or any of them: Be it therefore Enacted and Ordained, and it is Enacted, Ordained and Declared by the present Parliament, and by authority thereof, That all the people of England and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, of what degree or condition [foeber], are discharged of a realty, homage and Allegiance which is [of] shall be pretended to be due unto any of the Issue and Posterity of the laid late King, or any claiming under him; and that Charles Stuart eldest son, and James called Duke of York, second son, and all other the Issue and Posterity of him the laid late King, and all and every person and persons pretending Title from, by or under him, are and be disabled to hold or enjoy the laid Crown of England and Ireland, and other the Dominions thereunto belonging, or any of them; or to have the Name, Title, Stile or Dignity of King or Queen of England and Ireland, Prince of Wales, or any of them; or to have and enjoy the power and Dominion of the laid Kingdoms and Dominions, or any of them, or the honors, Manors, Lands, Tenements, Possessions and hereditaments belonging to or appertaining to the laid Crown of England and Ireland, and other Dominions aforesaid, or to any of them; or to the Principality of Wales, Dutchy of Lacaster or Cornwal, or any or either of them, Any Law, Statute, Ordinance, [Usage] or Custom to the contrary hereof in any wife notwithstanding: And whereas it is and hath been found by experience, that the Office of a King in this Nation and Ireland, and to have the power thereof in any single person, is unnecessary, but burdensome and Dangerous to the liberty, safety and publique interest of the people, and that for the most part, use hath been made of the Regal power and prerogative, to oppress, improperly and enslave the subject; and that usually and naturally any one person in such power, makes it his interest to encroach upon the just freedom and liberty of the people, and to promote the fessing up of their own will and power above the Laws, that so they might enable [there] Kingdoms to their own [Lust]: Be it therefore enacted and ordained by this present Parliament, and by Authority of the same, That the Office of a King in this Nation, shall not henceforth recide in, or be exercised by any one single person; and that no one person whatsoever, shall or may have, or hold the Office, Stile, Dignity, Power or Authority of King of the laid Kingdoms and Dominions, or any of them, or of the Prince of Wales, any law, statute, usage or custom to the contrary thereof in any wife notwithstanding. And it is hereby Enacted, that if any person or persons that endeavor to attempt by force of arms or other [wife], or be aiding, assisting, comforting or batting, unto any person or persons & shall by any ways or means whatsoever, endeavor or attempt the reviving or getting up again of any pretended Right of the laid Charles, eldest son to the laid late King, James called Duke of York, or of any other office the Issue & Posterity of & laid late King, or of any person or persons claiming to be under him or them, to the laid Regal Office, Stile, Dignity or Authority, or to be Prince of Wales, or the promoting of any one person whatsoever, to the Name, Stile, Dignity, Power, Prerogative or Authority, of King of England and Ireland, and dominions aforesaid, or any of them; that every such offence shall be deemed and abjudged high Treason, and the offenses therein, their councilors, procurers, aiders & abettors, being convicted of the laid Offence, or any of them, shall be deemed and adjudged Traytors against the Parliament and people of England, and shall suffer, lose and forfeit, and have such [life] and the same pains, forfeitures, judgements and execution, as is used in case of high Treason: and whereas by the abolition of the kingly Office provided for this Act, a most happy way is made for this Nation (if God see it good) to return to its just & ancient right, of being governed by its own Representatives on National meetings in Councel, from tim to time chosen & entrusted for that purpose by the people, it is therefore Resolved and Declared by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That they will put a period to the fitting of this present Parliament, and dissolve the same so soon as may possibly stand with the safety of the people that have betrusted them, and with what is absolutely necessary for the [preterbing] and upholding the Government now [settled] in the way of a Commonwealth; and that they will carefully provide for the certain [choosing], meeting and fitting of the next and future Representatives, with such other circumstances of freedom in choice & equality in distribution of Members to be elected thereunto, as shall most conduce to the lasting freedom and good of this Commonwealth: And it is hereby further Enacted and Declared, not withstanding any thing contained in this Act, no person or persons of what condition and quality foeber, within the Commonwealth of England and Ireland, Dominion of Wales, the Hands of Guernfey and Jerfey, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, shall be discharged from the obedience and subjection which he and they owe to the Government of this Nation, as it is now Declared, but all and every of them shall in all things render and perform the fame, as of right is due unto the supreme authority hereby declared to reside in this and the successive Representatives of the people of this Nation, and in them only. Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, that this Act be forthwith printed and published. London, Printed for Edward Hasband, Printer to the Honorable House of Commons. March 19. 1648.” Printed in black letter and roman types, document measures 11.5″ x 19.75″ on two broadsheets which are affixed at center, with a slight vertical crease visible and a 2.75″ split at bottom of crease. Some toning and foxing throughout, else near fine. An important document, among the first to challenge European monarchy at the very earliest stages of the Enlightenment. Sold for $5,459.
American Army Establishment Broadside
Scarce Revolutionary War “In Congress” broadside entitled, “Establishment of the American Army.” Printed by John Dunlap: York-Town. Dated 27 May 1778 document divides the American army into four parts; infantry, artillery, cavalry and provost and details positions and payments within each department. Further resolutions dated 29 May and 2nd June detail compensation and rations. In part, “…Resolved, That each battalion of infantry shall consist of nine-companies, one of which shall be of light infantry; the light infantry to be kept compleat by drafts from the battalion, and organized during the campaign into corps of light infantry: That the battalion of infantry consist of…Colonel and Captain [etc]…” 2pp. front and verso. Measures approximately 9.25″ x 14″. Fragile paper shows chipping and paper loss to edges and near complete separation at folds. Overall toning, wear and soiling, else good condition. Sold for $4,200.
Franklin D. Roosevelt D-Day Prayer Broadside — One of a Select Few Given to Roosevelt’s Staff at Christmas in 1944
Beautiful presentation broadside of the “D-Day Prayer”, one of the few copies gifted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to his staff at Christmas 1944. This particular copy was given to one of his Secret Service agents (and then by descent to consignor), and comes with a 1944 Christmas card from the Roosevelts. Lithograph features gilt and colored embellishments, transcribing the famous prayer that President Roosevelt delivered to the nation via radio on 6 June 1944 after the successful D-Day invasion, reading in part, “Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. / And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer…Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph…Christmas-1944-from / F.D.R.” Lithograph measures 14.75″ x 21.75″, framed with the Roosevelt Christmas card, and a ribbon at bottom right, to a size of 15.5″ x 21.75″. Not examined out of frame, but appears in very good to near fine condition with only light toning. Sold for $3,800.
1778 Revolutionary War Broadside, a Call to Arms to Build the “Great Chain” on the Hudson River, From West Point to Constitution Island — Broadside Also Requests Forces for Battle of Rhode Island
Superb Revolutionary War broadside from April 1778, a scarce “Call to Arms” for the men of Massachusetts to help build the “Great Chain” on the Hudson River that extended from West Point to Constitution Island, constructed in the spring of 1778. The Great Chain was a feat of inspired engineering, comprised of iron links each weighing 114 pounds that extended 600 yards across the bend in the Hudson River at West Point. As control of the River was tantamount to controlling the waterways from New York City to Montreal, several Battles had been waged on the Hudson before the Colonists conceived of the idea to construct chains across specific points in the River, so that the Army could bombard British ships when they were stalled as a result of the chains. The most effective of these chains was the Great Chain, which took advantage of a narrow “S” shaped curve on the River at West Point. Although Benedict Arnold famously told the British that “a well-loaded ship could break the chain”, the Great Chain held and prevented British boats from crossing. The Hudson River would remain in the hands of the Colonists. Sold for $2,500.
Rare Revolutionary War Broadside From the Beginning of the War in July 1775 — “…A large Number of Shirts, Stockings and Summer Breeches are wanted immediately for the Use of the Army…”
Revolutionary War broadside from 8 July 1775, less than three months after shots were first fired at Lexington and Concord. In this broadside, David Cheever calls upon the men of Attleborough, Massachusetts to provide clothing – “as you value the lives and Health of your Countrymen”, to the soldiers in the Continental Army. At this time, Cheever was Chairman of the Commissariat subcommittee in the Committee of Safety for the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, a pro-Independence body that earlier in 1775 urged Massachusetts residents to resist the British – insisting “it becomes the christian and social duty of each individual” to do so when confronted with oppression and tyranny. Sold for $1,850.
Civil War West Virginia Confederate Broadside re Enemy
Confederate broadside aggressively staking claim to the territory of West Virginia in 1862. In this intimidating broadside, the Confederacy appeals to the people of West Virginia, which formed its own state by seceding from Virginia after she, in turn, seceded from the United States at the start of the Civil War. Broadside entitled, “To the People of Western Virginia” reads in part, “The Army of the Confederate States has come among you to expel the enemy, to rescue the people from the despotism of the counterfeit State Government imposed on you by Northern bayonets…We fight for peace and the possession of our own territory. We do not intend to punish those who remain at home as quiet citizens in obedience to the laws of the land…The Government expects an immediate and enthusiastic response to this call…” A concluding section dated 14 September 1862 contains an update on the Confederate Army’s progress in West Virginia (only days earlier they had captured Harper’s Ferry), however, the state would be hotly contested until the official formation of the new Union state in 1863. Broadside is signed in print by General William Loring. Measures 6.75″ x 13″. Light fading and foxing with one small .5″ tear to right edge. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $1,469.
Revolutionary War Document Regarding Siege of Boston
Revolutionary War document regarding the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first battles in the Revolutionary War during the Siege of Boston. Datelined 1 August 1775 from Medford, Massachusetts, document serves as a reimbursement receipt to Seth Blodget of Medford, who quartered soldiers who fought at Bunker Hill. Reads in part: “barracking 100 Soldiers [for] 2 weeks” beginning 21 April 1775 (two days after Lexington & Concord) for “Cap Lynn’s & part of Major Moore’s Companies”, as well as “3 rooms Cap Kinsman’s Company & others to June 10th 1775″. On 17 June 1775, the 1st New Hampshire Regiment companies of Captains John Moore and Aaron Kinsman — referenced in this document, fought at Bunker Hill, one week after Kingsman’s company left the residence of Seth Blodget. In fact, in this document dated approximately two weeks after Bunker Hill, Moore is referenced as Major, a promotion he received on 18 June to replace Major McClary who was killed during the Battle. Although the British were able to capture the Charlestown Peninsula as a result of Bunker Hill, it was a pyrrhic victory, as they lost 1,000 men in killed and wounded, including almost 100 officers. After Bunker Hill, the British declined to attack again until they ultimately retreated to Nova Scotia in March 1776, thereby ending the Siege of Boston. Document is signed by J. Gilman, likely John T. Gilman of New Hampshire, who later served as the state’s Treasurer and Governor. Measures 8.25″ x 6.5”. In well-preserved, near fine condition given age. Sold for $1,006.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Necessity of their taking up arms broadsheet July 6 1775 that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).