Continental Congress | "Read with Candour: Judge with Impartiality."

Continental Congress

A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North-America, now Met in General Congress at Philadelphia, Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of taking up Arms. The Letter of the Twelve United Colonies by their Delegates in Congress to the Inhabitants of Great Britain, their Humble Petition to his Majesty, and their Address to the People of Ireland. Collected together for the Use of Serious Thinking Men, by Lovers of Peace. London, 1775

8vo (197 x 114 mm). Trimmed close along bottom margins, costing a few catchwords. Modern quarter red morocco over marbled boards.

The first British edition, which also adds several other addresses by the Continental Congress, including its final overture towards conciliation, the Olive Branch Petition, which appears here with the name of all its signatories. The British edition, issued without a printer's name, was likely aimed at American sympathizers; its title-page bears the motto, "Read with Candour: Judge with Impartiality."

REFERENCE

Adams, American Controversy 75-149b; ESTC N67720