Nov 21 at 12:00 PM - Sale 2687 -

Sale 2687 - Lot 22

Estimate: $ 2,500 - $ 3,500
(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1776.) The Militia Act; together with the Rules and Regulations for the Militia. [2], 40 pages. 8vo, disbound; title page worn and detached with stain in upper margin, otherwise minor wear. In modern folding cloth case. Boston: J. Gill, 1776
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Additional Details

First separate edition of the Militia Act which was passed by the Massachusetts legislature in 1775 to organize its state troops for the Revolution. Its preamble states that "it is not only the Interest, but the Duty of all Nations to defend their Lives, Liberties and Properties in that Land which the Supreme Ruler of the Universe has bestowed on them, against the unlawful Attacks and Depredations of all Enemies whatever; especially those who are moved by a Spirit of Avarice or Despotism." Despite the fiery patriotic rhetoric, the act was passed well before the Declaration of Independence, so the running titles still place the act "in the Sixteenth Year of the Reigh of George the Third, King."

"Appended are the 69 Articles of War, passed the 16th of April, 1776, signed by Warren, as Speaker, concurred in by the Council two days later, the very reading of which, it is said, made patriots into soldiers"--Sabin 45924. Evans 14878.

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