Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42020

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42020

Samuel Adams Printed Broadside Proclamation. Massachusetts: Printed by Young & Minns, 1797. Document measures 18 x 22 inches, mounted to a board to an overall size of 20 x 24 inches.

A visually striking proclamation issued by Samuel Adams as Governor of Massachusetts, entitled "A Proclamation For a Day of Solemn Fasting & Prayer," appointing May 4 as a day of public reflection and religious observance. It reads, in part:

"It having been the invariable practice derived from the days of our renowned ancestors at this season of the year to set apart a Day of Public Fasting and Prayer: And the practice appearing to be in itself productive, if well-improved, of happy effects on the public Mind-I have therefore thought fit...to appoint Thursday, the fourth day of May next ensuing, to be observed and improved throughout this Commonwealth for the purpose of public fasting and prayer: Earnestly recommending to the ministers of the Gospel with their respective Congregations...and with one united voice confess our past Sins and Transgressions, with holy resolutions, by the grace of God, to turn our feet into the path of His Law...and I do hereby recommend that all unnecessary labor and recreation may be suspended on the said day." Signed in type at the lower right, "Samuel Adams," and attested by John Avery.

Condition: Overall very good. Light toning and expected folds; some light, scattered staining. One long separation at the center top, passing through the seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Minor edgewear commensurate with age and handling. Evidence of professional restoration at the edges. Quite attractive and good for display, with bold, dark text.

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