LOT #35054 |
Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for: Not Sold
Four Quaker Manuscripts. This small collection of Quaker-related items includes two one-page, and two two-page manuscripts. ... (Total: 6 Items)
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Description
Four Quaker Manuscripts. This small collection of Quaker-related items includes two one-page, and two two-page manuscripts. Three of the manuscripts contain locations and dates (Philadelphia, February 20, 1766; Portsmouth NH, January 5, 1772; and Newport RI, September 26, 1775) and consist of the reports from monthly community meetings.These meeting reports discuss such topics as raising communal funds, meetings for worship and discipline, love and unity among community members, priest's wages and military Service, child rearing, caring for the poor, slave ownership, the avoidance of "the frequent use of Spiritous Liquors & unnecessary frequenting taverns," and much more. Of particular interest is the February 20, 1766 report, which states that "We fervently Caution & exhort, that in these trying times when the Minds of People are so much perplexed & agitated with the Difficulties that now prevail in this once peaceful Land, we may not forget to act consistently with the purity & Meekness of our Christian Profession becoming the followers of our Peaceable Savior Jesus Christ, & the Practice & Advice of faithful Friends in all times of Tryal [sic] & Difficulty."
Presumably, this report references the first direct British tax on American colonists - the Stamp Act - instituted in November 1765, which decreed that every newspaper, pamphlet, and other public and legal document had to have a Stamp, or British seal, on it. The Stamp, of course, cost money and colonists didn't think they should have to pay for something they had been doing for free for many years. They responded in force, with demonstrations and even with a diplomatic body called the Stamp Act Congress, which delivered its answer to the Crown. Seeing the hostile reaction in the colonies, the British government repealed the Stamp Act in March 1766 but at the same time passed the Declaratory Act, which said that Great Britain was superior to and in command of the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever."
The fourth item is an anonymous letter, addressed to "Fellow Members" and signed "Your Critic," which criticizes unnamed individuals for arriving late to Lyceum meetings and leaving early, once the roll had been called. The manuscripts are lightly age toned and in very good to fine condition, with one meeting report suffering significant fold separation. Prospective buyers are advised to view the items in this lot carefully prior to bidding.
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 587
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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