Massachusetts. General Assembly

The Militia Act; Together with the Rules and Regulations for the Militia. Boston: Printed by J. Gill (Published by Order of the General Assembly), 1776

8vo in half-sheets (7 3/8 x 4 7/8 in.; 188 x 125 mm). With blank C4; some foxing and browning, D3 with tear or paper flaw at top margin not affecting text. Disbound from a pamphlet volume (numbered 6 on the title-page), red-sprinked edges. Blue cloth folding case.

Sam Ward (contemporary signature at head of first page of text).  Acquisition: Bauman Rare Books

Evans 14878; Riley 135; Sabin 45924

First edition of the 1776 Massachusetts Militia Act and Articles of War, "ordered to be printed April 23, 1776, in an edition of one thousand copies. This famous Act is full of the spirit of the times. It is said that the mere reading of the … articles of war appended was incentive enough to make every patriot a soldier" (Evans).

The preamble to the Militia Act states that it was adopted by the Massachusetts Assembly because "it is not only the Interest, but the Duty of all Nations to defend their Lives, Liberties and Properties … against the unlawful Attacks and Depredations of all Enemies whatever; especially those who are moved by a Spirit of Avarice or Despotism" and because "the Honorable American Congress have recommended to the United Colonies to put the Militia into a proper State for the Defence of America"—but ironically the text of the Act is printed under the running-headline "In the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of George the Third, King." Very rare.