Lot 147
  • 147

Continental Congress. Military

Estimate
3,500 - 5,000 USD
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Description

  • paper
Rules and Articles for the Better Government of the Troops Raised, or to be raised and kept in pay by and at the expence of the United States of America. Philadelphia: Printed by John Dunlap, 1776

8vo (8 3/8 x 5 ΒΌ in.; 212 x 134 mm, uncut); lightly browned with some light spotting on title and last few leaves. Contemporary gray wrappers, stitched as issued, in a blue half-morocco slipcase; two dampstains on rear wrapper.

Literature

Evans 15187; Hildeburn 3466; Sabin 74058

Condition

lightly browned with some light spotting on title and last few leaves. Contemporary gray wrappers, stitched as issued, in a blue half-morocco slipcase; two dampstains on rear wrapper.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

First edition of one of the first and most important acts of Congress after the Declaration of Independence, and published by the same printer. On 14 June 1776 a committee was formed composed of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Rutledge, James Wilson, and Robert R. Livingston who  revised the 1775 code, which had been published for the original colonies.  The present, revised code was recast so as to more closely resemble the British Articles of War, and was so adopted by the Continental Congress on 20 September 1776, remaining  in force, with one major revision, until 1806, as the foundation of American military law.

At the end is printed a resolution of Congress, dated 21 August 1776, and signed in print by John Hancock as president, stating: "That all persons...found lurking as Spies in or about the fortifications or encampments of the Armies of the United States...shall suffer Death according to the law and usage of nations, by sentence of a Court-Martial...."  It was under this ruling that Major André was executed for treason in 1780.