257

Whig Patriotism handbill.

[Maine, November 1812]
Letterpress handbill, 5¾ x 7¼ inches; worn, foxed, crude paper repair.

  • Notes: This handbill urges voters to support James Madison's candidacy for the presidency, although he is not mentioned by name. It promotes the Whig Electoral College slate headed by the Hon. John Woodman (1750-1828) of Buxton, York County in what would soon become Maine. With heated rhetoric, it tries to whip up patriotism and anti-British spirit in a part of the country which was generally hostile toward the war.

    "Will you not fight a British faction with your Votes, where no blood can be spilt? While your brothers in arms are sacrificing their lives, will you remain at home and let the British conquer you in your Town Meetings? Forbid it Patriotism . . . is one day too much to spend for your Country, and your Rights, and your Children? No! Then arise, and in holy indignation swear, your country shall be free. No British Faction shall any longer pollute the soil enriched by the blood of your Fathers and Brothers. . . . Your country calls you." 

    None traced at auction, and none in OCLC. The only mentions we can find are in newspapers. The entire text was quoted in an opposition newspaper, the Portland Gazette of 9 November 1812, which supported Dewitt Clinton, "an honorable Peace, and Free Trade." About this handbill, they groused whether "calling opprobrious names, is such as a good cause would require for its support." One copy (perhaps this one?) survived in the hands of a local politician, who shared it with the Portland Daily Press of 10 February 1893. They called it "truly a soul stirring pamphlet." 
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