[American Revolution]: [Massachusetts General Court]:

$17,500 · Offered by William Reese Company

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NOVEMBER 1, 1776. ORDERED, THAT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL COURT OF THIS STATE TO THE OFFICERS AND PRIVATE SOLDIERS WHO ARE GONE FROM THENCE AND ARE ... Early November 1776 was a dark moment for the American side in the Revolution. Washington had been routed from New York, the victory at Trenton had yet to occur, and the ability of the young United States to succeed seemed doubtful. This important inspirational Revolutionary War broadside, issued by the Massachusetts House of Representatives only four months after the Declaration of Independence, sought to rally the Patriot cause. The address roundly denounces Great Britain and its government in polemical language in the style of the preamble of the Declaration. It also pledges the support of the American army by the General Court of Massachusetts, emphasizes the importance of Massachusetts soldiers, and urges them to re-enlist. Massachusetts soldiers were vital in the Revolutionary War effort, practically the backbone of the Continental Army. However, desertion had become a major issue by October 1776, and this message was issued as part of an effort by the Massachusetts government to stem the tide of desertion as well as motivate new recruits for the war effort. This fiery exhortation to take up arms against the British Crown reads, in part:"When the tyrants of the earth began to transgress the sacred line of property, and claim their fellow men as slaves, and to exercise lawless

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