Lot 279
[CONTINENTAL CONGRESS]. The Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America… Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of taking up Armsto his Majesty … by Lovers of Peace. London: N.p., 1775. 
Sale 945 - Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana
Lots 1-307
Nov 9, 2021 4:00AM CT
Lots 308-687
Nov 10, 2021 4:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$5,000 - $7,000

Sold for $21,250

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[CONTINENTAL CONGRESS]. The Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of taking up Arms. The Letter of the Twelve United Colonies by their Delegates in Congress to the Inhabitants of Great Britain, their Humble Petition to his Majesty, and their Address to the People of Ireland. Collected together for the Use of Serious Thinking Men, by Lovers of Peace. London: N.p., 1775. 

8vo (200 x 122 mm).  (Title very slightly soiled, a few leaves trimmed close just shaving catchwords.) 20th century calf gilt (small tear at head of spine, light wear, front flyleaf disbound). Provenance: A few early 20th-century annotations on flyleaves.

FIRST LONDON EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, with the balance of the text uncorrected, of one of the most significant precursors to the Declaration of Independence.  The pamphlet reprints the Declaration of Causes and Necessity (first published by William and Thomas Bradford in Philadelphia in the same year), and three other texts first published by the Bradfords: The Twelve United Colonies...to the Inhabitants of Great Britain; The Olive Branch Petition; and An Address...to the People of Ireland.  This issue was presumably subsidized by Richard Champion, an American sympathizer and ally of Edmund Burke, and the printer appeals to American sympathizers on the title-page: "Read with Candor : Judge with Impartiality." RARE: According to American Book Prices Current, only 3 examples of this pamphlet have sold at auction in the last 45 years.  Adams, American Controversy, 75-149b; Sabin 15522.

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