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

An Abstract from Resolves containing the Encouragement offered by the Continental Congress, and by the State of Massachusetts-Bay, to such as shall inlist into the Continental Army
(Boston: Benjamin Edes), ca. January 28, 1777. Printed broadside, untrimmed, 13 3/4 x 8 1/4 in. (349 x 209 mm). Signed in type by Speaker Pro Tempore Samuel Freeman, and Deputy Secretary John Avery. Docketed on verso, additional manuscript on same ("Winslow"). Creasing from old folds, expertly repaired along upper horizontal fold; short separation at left side of central horizontal fold; dampstaining at right edge; in quarter green morocco slip case and chemise. Evans 15418; Heartman P15:4; Ford 2076; ESTC W34149; Cushing 981

A rare and early Continental Army recruitment poster, issued only months after the Declaration of Independence, seeking to entice men from Massachusetts to join the fight for independence. Printing the resolutions of the Continental Congress and the Massachusetts Legislature, this broadside lists the inducements offered to potential recruits, including a $20 bounty, 100 hundred acres of land, a new suit of clothing, consisting of two linen hunting shirts, two pairs of overalls, a leather or woolen waistcoat, one pair of breeches, a hat or leather cap, two shirts, and two pairs of shoes. It goes on to offer soldiers "disabled in the Service of the United States of America" a disability pension, as well as a further $20 if they enlist with a "good effective Fire-Arm, and also a Bayonet, or in Lieu thereof, a Sword, Hatchet or Tomahawk, a Cartridge Box and Knapsack". Finally, every recruit shall receive "a good Blanket", or a reimbursement of 18 shillings if they provide their own.

This poster reflects crucial reforms enacted by the Continental Congress in late 1776 to transform the fledgling Continental Army into a more professional force capable of a sustained fight against the British. Orchestrated by John Adams at George Washington's behest, the revisions reorganized the American Articles of War along the lines of British military law. Key changes included extending enlistment terms, professionalizing the officer corps, enhancing monetary and land incentives for service, and instituting stricter penalties for disciplinary infractions. These measures were instrumental in evolving the American army into a more permanent and stable institution, reducing its dependence on often transient state militias.

Rare. ESTC locates only eight institutional copies, while RBH locates only two other copies at auction in over a century.