Books and Manuscripts

Boston: Edward Eveleth Powars & Nathaniel Willis/Thomas & John Fleet, 1776-1783. Group of three American Revolution-era printed broadsides for Harvard University's graduating classes of 1776, 1778, and 1783; printed in Latin. 21 x 17 in. (533 x 432 mm); 22 x 18 in. (559 x 457 mm); 25 x 17 1/4 in. (635 x 438 mm). Scattered wear and small losses; some dampstaining at center of 1776 broadside.

A remarkably well-preserved set of three Harvard College graduating class theses broadsides from the time of the American Revolution. Each broadside is composed of a series of propositions that were to be defended by the graduating students on commencement day, ranging here from 129 to 160 listed items, related to different subjects, including technology, grammar, rhetoric, logic, metaphysics, ethics, theology, politics, mathematics, and physics. These broadsides were printed at the expense of each graduating class to reflect the range of their studies, and were typically posted in advance of the commencement ceremonies, where oral exams would take place. During the years 1775-80, public ceremonies were cancelled due to the war. These were printed in broadside form from 1642 until 1810, and then afterwards in quarto, and by 1821 they were replaced by commencement programs.

"The Theses sheet of 1776 is a notable one, since it is the first to be issued after the departure of the last Royal Governor and after the Declaration of Independence." (William Coolidge Lane, Early Harvard Broadsides). Also notable is the listing of Tobias Lear (1762-1816), class of 1783, future executive secretary to George Washington from 1786-99. Other notable figures printed, Christopher Gore (1758-1827), class of 1776, eighth governor of Massachusetts, United States Attorney General for Massachusetts, and United States Senator from Massachusetts; Nathan Dane (1752-1835), class of 1778, representative from Massachusetts in the Continental College, helped draft the Northwest Ordinance, and introduced an amendment to ban slavery in the Northwest Territory; Samuel-Cooper Johonnot, class of 1783, classmate of Benjamin Franklin's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache, in Geneva, and frequent correspondent with Benjamin Franklin; Harrison Gray Otis (1765-1848), class of 1783, United States Senator from Massachusetts and leader in the Federalist Party; as well as numerous other state representatives, clergyman, and merchants.