(New York Second Provincial Congress)

In Provincial Congress, New-York, August 8th, 1775. Resolved, That the several Committees and Sub-Committees of the different Counties within this Colony, be directed immediately to purchase or hire all the Arms, with or without Bayonets, that are fit for present Service (on the Credit of this Colony) and to deliver them to the respective Colonels in this Colony employed in the Continental Service, or their Order, for the Use of the Continental Army. … [New York: John Holt, 8 August 1775] 

Printed handbill (9 1/4 x 8 in.; 234 x 203 mm). Backed with linen. Half brown morocco slipcase, chemise.

Acquisition: William Reese

Evans 14308

A very rare and important Revolutionary handbill, publishing a resolution by the Provincial Congress of New York intended to provide arms to the fledgling Continental Army. "The most pressing problem facing the Second Provincial Congress was defense. By midsummer local committees under the direction of the Provincial Congress were busily collecting arms and organizing militia companies. This activity provoked a serious incident on August 23, when the royal warship Asia opened fire as New York troops began to remove the cannon from Fort George at the tip of Manhattan Island. The colonials returned the fire, killing one British soldier and wounding others. The incident strengthened the resolution of the citizens to defend themselves" (Ellis, et al., A Short History of New York State).