Rare Autographs, Books and Manuscripts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
Please note the Oath was signed in 1778 and not in 1777 as previously stated
Revolutionary War Loyalty Oath Printed by John Dunlap. Partly printed DS, 1 page, 6" x 4", ([Philadelphia]: John Dunlap, 1777), accomplished on June 13, 1777. The text reads in full "I DO hereby Certify, Augustin Willett of the township of Northamptonand county of Bucks, Hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the AFFIRMATION of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an ACT of General Assembly of Pennsylvania: passed the 13th day of June, A.D. 1777. Witness may hand and seal, the 7th day of March A.D. 1778." The document was designed to be all-inclusive, mindful of the Quaker prohibition against swearing oaths, instead asking the person to 'affirm' rather than 'swear.' An extremely rare of Evans 15519. John Dunlap (1747-1812) emigrated to America from Northern Ireland. He published the first daily newspaper in this country beginning in 1784, the Pennsylvania Packet. Appointed printer to Congress, his first printings of the Declaration of Independence (forever known as the "Dunlap" issues) were ordered by John Hancock; a total of 200 broadsides were printed the evening of July 4, 1776. This Oath was issued at a time that had the British occupying New York with colonial fears as to where Howe would next land his forces with Burgoyne marching Southward with a sizable army from Montreal. Those in Pennsylvania feared the battle would soon be in their backyards with Philadelphia under direct threat. And, interestingly, this Oath was printed the day before the Continental Congress approved the new flag designed by Betsy Ross
One of a Few known Loyalty Oath printed by John Dunlap, printer of the Declaration of the Independence.
Click above for larger image.