The First Prayer in Congress [caption title]

[N.p., mid-19th century]. Broadside, 13 x 5.5 inches, on light pink silk, with text printed within elaborate ornamental border. Minor foxing and staining, some soft creases, light occasional fading to text. Very good overall. An attractive display piece printing the first prayer recited in the Continental Congress, delivered by Rev. Jacob Duche on September 7, 1774. Reverend Duhe delivered a powerful, extemporaneous opening prayer following reports of a British attack on Boston. The prayer asked for divine protection for the American colonies in the "righteousness of their cause," "wisdom in council and valor in the field," a quick peace, and so forth. A brief note at the top of the broadside provides some cotext: "In Thatcher's Military Journal, under date of December, 1777, is found a note containing the identical 'first prayer in Congress,' made by the Rev. Jacob Duche, a gentleman of great eloquence. Here it is - an historical curiosity.