Historic THE AMERICAN TAXATION Broadside Poem

Description

Historic THE AMERICAN TAXATION Broadside Poem
Historic “THE AMERICAN TAXATION” Broadside Poem
c. 1780 Revolutionary War Era, Printed Broadside 36 Stanza Poem headed, “THE AMERICAN TAXATION.” Nearly Very Fine.
This historic, original Broadside measures 7” x 11” being quite well centered within four full margins with a plain blank back side. The black text and the surrounding ornate outer border designs are printed upon a very early period wove paper. There is light even overall tone, some deft sealed small fold holes, having no major distracting impairments. This version is very similar to another period Broadside we have seen, which had printed upon it, “Sold, wholesale and retail, by L. Deming, No. 62, Hanover Street, 2nd door from Friend Street, Boston.” That example was in our EAHA Auction of August 23, 2003, Lot 313 and sold for ,025. This current example has no listed printer or place, yet is a similar wonderful, 36 Stanza Poem, relative to the British taxation and Revolutionary War in the American colonies, a source of great ire (“taxation without representation”), with direct statements to period causative and other major events of the ongoing American Revolutionary War. Here are some representative sample verses, inclusive of the first three and final four printed stanzas:
“THE AMERICAN TAXATION.”
“Whilst I relate my story, Americans give ear;
Of Britain’s fading glory you presently shall hear,
I’ll give a true relation, attend to what I say;
Concerning the taxation of North America.
The cruel Lords of Britain, who glory in their shame;
The project they hit on, they joyfully proclaim,
‘Tis what they are striving after to take our rights away;
And rob us of our charter in North America.
There are two mighty speakers, that rule in parliament,
Who have always been seekers, some mischief to invent,
‘Twas North and Bute his father, a horrid plan did lay,
A mighty tax to gather in North America...
It concludes...
Here’s health unto our footmen that handle sword and gun,
To Warner, Gates & Putnam, and conquering Washington.
Their names he wrote in letters which never shall decay,
While sun and moon doth glitter in North America.
Success into our allies in Holland, France and Spain,
Who arm’d our ships and gallies, our Freedom to maintain,
May they subdue the rancour of proud Britannia,
And drive them from their anchors in North America.
Success to the Congress of these United States,
Who triumph in the conquest of Washington and Gates -
To all both land and seamen who glory in the day,
When we shall all be Freemen in North America.
Success to legislation that rules with gentle hand,
To trade and navigation by water and by land -
May all with one opinion our wholesome laws obey,
Throughout the vast dominion of North America.”
An extremely historic and important document that helped foment and maintain anti-British sentiment. Clearly from the text, the British have not yet been driven out from America. It’s also the first we’ve ever seen or handled of this exact style and form. A great example that would be a nice centerpiece for any serious Revolutionary War era collection.
Item Number: 95855
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