(AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1775) Issue of the Massachusetts Spy f

Sale 2486 - Lot 199

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Estimate: $ 6,000 - $ 9,000

MASTHEAD BY PAUL REVERE (AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1775.) Issue of the Massachusetts Spy featuring the "Rules and Articles for the Better Government of the Troops." 4 pages, 15 1/2 x 10 inches, on one folding sheet; foxing, wear, and tasteful silking in several areas. Worcester, MA: Isaiah Thomas, 9 August 1775

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The "Rules and Articles for the Better Government of the Troops" was passed by Continental Congress on 10 May 1775, less than a month after Lexington and Concord. They were the first set of regulations governing the rebel troops, a full month before the formal creation of the Continental Army. Among its 24 articles, Article 2 stipulates that "It is earnestly recommended to all officers and soldiers diligently to attend divine service," and stipulates punishment for "all officers who shall behave indecently or irreverently at any place of divine worship." Courts-martial are mandated for mutiny, sedition, striking an officer, desertion, drunkenness, theft and more.
The Massachusetts Spy featured an engraved masthead by Paul Revere (see Brigham, page 202). They had by this point ceased using the segmented snake masthead after its removal from Boston, but featured the slogan "Americans!--Liberty of Death!--Join or Die" above the title.