How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

"Last Lords Day the Declaration of Independence was published in the several Churches in this Town agreeable to an Order of the Honorable Council of this State."

Watertown: Printed by Benjamin Edes, Monday, August 19, 1776. No. 1109. Printed newspaper. Folio. (4) pp. Old ownership signature at top of front-page. Disbound; creasing from old fold; scattered light foxing. 

A fine 1776-dated Boston newspaper, reporting the posting of the Declaration of Independence in several churches throughout the city of Boston. The first public reading of the Declaration in Boston occurred on July 18. The day prior, the Massachusetts Council ordered that the "Declaration of Independence be printed; and a Copy sent to the Ministers of each Parish, of every Denomination, within this State; and that they severally be required to read the same to their respective Congregations, as soon as divine Service is ended...And after such Publication thereof, to deliver the said Declaration to the Clerks of their several Towns, or Districts; who are hereby required to record the same in their respective Town, or District books, there to remain as a perpetual Memorial thereof." It is likely that the Declarations mentioned in the present article were those printed by Ezekiel Russel of Salem, who was commissioned by the Council to print broadsides for their distribution throughout the state. Russell's broadside is notable for its liberal use of capitalization and italics, so as to aid ministers when reading to their congregations.