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Description

1776 Revolutionary War Broadside: Hopestill Capen's Personal Copy. One sheet, 10" x 15.5", Boston, August 6, 1776. This was printed in August of 1776, for Hopestill Capen, a jailed Loyalist and owner of the site where the Union Oyster House exists in Boston. This example is his personal copy, adorned with copious manuscript notations including a diary of his imprisonment. In part, the printed portions of the broadside reads, "The following was written with an exception that I should have the Liberty to lay the fame before he Court of Enquiry, before whom I was impeached as an Enemy to my country and cast into prison (in Boston, 6th August 1776) but it has been said by some I was not rightly understood, and if opportunity be given to me to open my simple meaning to the Court, and I am restored to my just right of Liberty, cause of complaint will end; and if not, this will serve to inform all whom it may concern the Principles I acted upon and if I am to be confined in Prison for that I cannot in confidence do, it will be happy for me if I am indeed taught to suffer with patience." Capen wrote extensively around the margins about his imprisonment. "I was liberated from prison twentieth of June on a fryday evening at 8 o'clock 1777 after suffering three hundred & 19 days...imprisonment in felons appartments all the time...July 1778 I was called on to abjune the King of England which I dare not in confidence do, for which I was again imprisoned to the day of noon following." On the back, Capen copied bible scriptures. An extremely rare Tory broadside in itself, but rendered a true "museum piece" by Capen's personal notations. It was likely published by Capen himself or his supporters, in his defense following his arrest. Very good condition overall.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
October, 2006
12th-13th Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
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Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

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Sold on Oct 13, 2006 for: $8,962.50
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