Lot 91
  • 91

[Intolerable Acts. Boston Port Act]

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • paper and ink
New-York. The following Dialogue being conceived, in some Measure, calculated to advance the cause of Freedom, in the present critical Situation of Affairs, is for that Purpose presented to the Public. [New York: John Holt, 20 May 1774]

Broadsheet (12 3/8 x 8 1/4 in.; 315 x 205 mm). Printed in two columns; silked, left margin extended, annotations in pencil and ink ascribing the broadsheet to printer John Holt. Brown cloth chemise and calf-backed slipcase.

Provenance

Acquisition: William Reese

Literature

Evans 13489

Condition

Broadsheet (12 3/8 x 8 1/4 in.; 315 x 205 mm). Printed in two columns; silked, left margin extended, annotations in pencil and ink ascribing the broadsheet to printer John Holt. Brown cloth chemise and calf-backed slipcase.
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

"No ... Set of Highwaymen upon Earth, should be allowed to Spoil us of our Freedom, of our Liberties, whilst a Nerve of Opposition can be strung against them." New York rallies to the side of the beleaguered Massachusetts Bay Colony over the Boston Port Act.  The act was passed by Parliament on 31 March 1774 and made effective on 1 June 1774. It was a punitive action that ordered the port of Boston closed until its inhabitants reimbursed the East India Company and the King's treasury for the tea destroyed during the Boston Tea Party on 16 December 1773. Because Boston alone was targeted, Lord North did not believe the other colonies would react sympathetically to Boston's plight, but to his amazement, the Act roused great indignation and strong oppositionin the other colonies.  

The New York broadside urges relieving the "Distress of the People of Boston ... by a virtuous Union and Agreement of their Fellow Americans, not to import from the Mother Country till the Boston Act is repealed. ... No Highwayman, or Set of Highwaymen upon Earth, should be alllowed to Spoil us of our Freedom, of our Liberties, whilst a Nerve of Opposition can be strung against them." Evans attributes the printing of the broadside to John Holt.