(Dickinson, John) | Seeking conciliation with Britain

(Dickinson, John)

An essay on the constitutional power of Great-Britain over the colonies in America; with the resolves of the committee for the province of Pennsylvania, and their instructions to their representatives in Assembly. Philadelphia: William and Thomas Bradford, at the London Coffee-House, 1774

8vo (194 x 116 mm). Ornamental head- and tailpieces, catchword "ture" on p. 81 (Adams); title and following leaf with repairs to gutter margin, browning and foxing. Expertly bound to style by Baker Bindery for James Cummins Bookseller, covers decoratively bordered in gilt, flat spine elaborately gilt with red morocco lettering-piece.

First edition of an important Revolutionary tract

"Colonies could not have been planted on these terms. What Englishman, but an idiot, would have become a colonist on these conditions?" (pg. 113).

The first 32 pages of this tract contain the Resolves and Instructions of the Committee to the Representatives of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. This Assembly was under the influence of Dickinson, who vehemently opposed independence. 

REFERENCE

Adams 110a; ESTC W31996; Evans 13247; Federal Hundred 24; Hildeburn 3003; Howes D326; Sabin 20040