7

The Votes and Proceedings of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston.

Boston: Edes and Gill, [1772]
iv, 43 pages. 8vo, disbound; minor edge wear to first and final leaves; cropped early gift inscription on title page. 


First edition of the inflammatory tract known in its day simply as "The Boston Pamphlet"--a printing of several key documents from Boston's decisive steps toward revolution in 1772. It starts with the minutes of the 28 October freeholders meeting appointing a Committee of Correspondence. Next are the long proceedings of 20 November, where John Hancock was chosen moderator as the Committee of Correspondence reported on "Natural Rights of the Colonists," followed by "A List of Infringements and Violations of Rights." The blandly named "Letter of Correspondence, to the other Towns" dated 20 November spreads word of "the Plan of Despotism, which the Enemies of our invaluable Rights have concerted." An appendix gives the correspondence between the committee and Governor Hutchinson.

The gift inscription reads "For the Rev. Doct. Eliot, from the Co[mmittee?] of the Town." The recipient may have been the Rev. Andrew Eliot (1718-1778) of Boston's New North Church, a supporter of the patriot cause. He stayed behind in Boston during the British occupation, tending to the sick and wounded. After the British evacuated in March 1776, General Washington asked him to preach the Thanksgiving sermon. 

Adams, American Independence 87a; Adams, American Controversy 72-1a (second state of the title page as described by Adams); Evans 12332; Howes B633 ("aa"); Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 13; Sabin 6568; Streeter sale II:744.5.

  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000