1775. · Watertown, Ma
by Gordon, William
Watertown, Ma, 1775.. 29pp. Printed self-wrappers, stitched as issued. Light soiling to wrappers, a few chips to wrapper edges. Light tanning and occasional foxing. Contemporary ownership inscription on front wrapper. Very good. Partially untrimmed. William Gordon, later one of the first American historians of the Revolution, reflects on the situation of the Continental Congress in a sermon before the General Court of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress on July 19, 1775. Gordon himself was "a vigorous partisan of independence and in 1775 was made chaplain to both houses of the Provincial Congress assembled at Watertown. Congress possessed great confidence in him and voted him a good horse and access to the prisoners of war." Of the forthcoming conflict, Gordon says in his address:
"He who does not mean to bear a part in the public burdens of the day, but to escape wholly unhurt in property and person is no patriot; while he that, instead of serving, designs only to serve himself of the public, to acquire riches and raise a fortune out of the general calamity, must be really the worst of men, cannot deserve the protection of the state, and when discover'd must be detested by every true son and daughter of liberty, as being a most odious character." AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 168. ESTC W3243. EVANS 14073. SABIN 28010. (Inventory #: WRCAM52400)
"He who does not mean to bear a part in the public burdens of the day, but to escape wholly unhurt in property and person is no patriot; while he that, instead of serving, designs only to serve himself of the public, to acquire riches and raise a fortune out of the general calamity, must be really the worst of men, cannot deserve the protection of the state, and when discover'd must be detested by every true son and daughter of liberty, as being a most odious character." AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 168. ESTC W3243. EVANS 14073. SABIN 28010. (Inventory #: WRCAM52400)