[Lexington and Concord]

Jonas Clark. The Fate of Blood-thirsty Oppressors, and God's tender Care of his distressed People. A Sermon, Preached at Lexington, April 19, 1776. To commemorate the Murder, Bloodshed, and Commencement of Hostilities, between Great-Britain and America, in that Town, by a Brigade of Troops of George III, under Command of Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, on the Nineteenth of April, 1775. Boston: Powars and Willis, 1776

8vo (8 x 4 1/2 in.; 200 x 115 mm). Flexible marbled boards. Green cloth chemise and slipcase, dark tan morocco spine lettered gilt.

Acquisition: William Reese

Adams, American Independence 212; Evans 14679; Howes C441; North American Imprints Project w020312

8vo (8 x 4 1/2 in.; 200 x 115 mm). Flexible marbled boards. Green cloth chemise and slipcase, dark tan morocco spine lettered gilt.
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First edition, second state, of this patriotic sermon commemorating the first anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Clark, the pastor at Lexington, witnessed firsthand the bloody events of 19 April 1775. The previous evening, John Hancock and Samuel Adams were with Clark in his home in Lexington when they received word from the Committee of Safety that a British patrol was seen en route to Lexington. Shortly after midnight word came that a large body of British troops was seen marching towards the town. His sermon suggests that God firmly sides with the Continentals. In his appended narrative Clark describes the events of that fateful day, and lists the number of casualties and wounded, as well as the buildings ransacked and burned. Clark recounts how the militia assembled on the green but was dispersed with instructions to remain within the sound of the drum; and he refutes the accusation that the militia fired the first shot.