Books and Manuscripts

An Extremely Rare Anti-British Pamphlet Published During the American Revolution, One of Only Two Known Examples

"Convinced on the whole, of the justice of our cause; am willing to join issue with them, and submit the affair to be determined by GOD, and SWORD. Amen."

(Presumed Fishkill, New York: Samuel Loudon), 1781. First and only edition. 12mo. 23, (1) pp. Original limp stab-sewn printed self-wrappers, original thread intact, moderately worn, extremities worn, small open tear on front wrapper; all edges untrimmed; contemporary ownership signature of a Peter D'Witt (DeWitt) on title-page, p. (9), p. 21, rear wrapper, and partially scratched away on front wrapper. Sabin 1023; Adams 81-2; OCLC 746155683; Not in ESTC

An impassioned account on the causes of the American Revolution. Written and published anonymously in 1781, a pivotal year that began during one of the lowest points for American morale in the war, but closed with the decisive American victory at Yorktown that secured independence. The author pens a rallying cry for patriot forces after six long and uncertain years of conflict, seeking to "inform...strengthen the hands, and rouse the courage of the true friends to liberty and the glorious cause of freedom in this land," so that every reader "may see the injustice of (Great Britain's) pretensions."

The author opens with a long dedication to General George Washington and follows with a short autobiographical note to the reader. They then proceed to catalogue Great Britain's "dark schemes, and wicked designs" that instigated American colonists to seek independence, and to remind the the reader why they're fighting. The account begins with the British victory in the French and Indian War, and then follows the escalation of imperial rule and colonial resistance over the following decade. Pivotal events are touched upon, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, General Thomas Gage's military government over Boston, the convening of the first Continental Congress, and ends with the Battles of Lexington and Concord that touched off the conflict. The author emphasizes the American army's strength and its transformation from a ragtag and disorganized body into one with "the most skillful commanders, well disciplined troops," and "the best artillery, and men." The author finishes with a warning, writing that the Americans have the "means enough to carry on the war this hundred years--for the country is, in my opinion, richer than when we first began the contest. We have besides, every advantage on our sides; for, added to the justice of our cause, we are able to keep an army of an hundred thousand men in the field, for a century to come..." In a postscript, the author sermonizes on Great Britain's relationship with her rebellious colonies, using the oft-treaded symbolism of mother and child. They ask the reader to remember, "what says the Apostle, 'the children ought not to lay up for the parent, but the parent for the children'...When children are grown to full-age, should not parents permit, nay encourage them to set up for themselves!"

Information regarding the publication of this pamphlet is almost non-existent. Thomas R. Adams suggests in The American Controversy that this is because it was likely privately printed and issued in only a few copies. Although listed by Sabin, it is not known whether he actually handled a copy as he does not provide any bibliographical information or institutional holdings, with Adams contending that he "might (our italics) have seen" one. Adams likewise did not list institutional holdings of any copies, indicating that he himself possibly never handled one. Furthermore, OCLC locates only one other copy, held in the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library at the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. We have been unable to locate any other copies in institutional collections, nor any copy ever being offered at auction.

Although anonymous, in the preface the author teases some biographical information, writing that they were "born in America, the first year of George the Second's reign (1727)--early taught the learned languages, and something of the liberal arts and sciences." They go on to describe their study of ancient and modern laws and constitutions, especially those of Great Britain, "with their acts of Parliament respecting America," as the "subjects of my strictest enquiry," as well as their study of "the debates in the British Parliament, and the pieces wrote on this side the water respecting the liberties of America."

The signer of this volume, Peter D’Witt, is almost certainly one of the DeWitts who hailed from Dutchess or Ulster counties in New York, several of whom fought for the patriot cause. A Peter D'Witt is known to have served as a Supervisor of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County from 1776-80. During this time, the government met in Fishkill, where this pamphlet was presumed to be published by Samuel Loudon, who was then the official printer of the New York State government and the state's first postmaster. The Supplement to New York in the Revolution: County and State (Albany, 1901), documents two Peter DeWitt's (possibly the same person): a citizen who used his own money to help muster soldiers for the New York militia (p. 17), and a Peter De Witt, assignee and assignor of Land Bounty rights (p. 203 and 208) in the region. A Petrus (often anglicized to Peter) De Witt, is also listed as suspected Tory (p. 231). Muster rolls have located a Peter DeWitt in the 2nd Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia; a Petrus (Peter) DeWitt in the 3rd Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia (Petrus's papers in the New York State Library indicate this is possibly the same Peter DeWitt with the dates of 1722-90, and who was first cousin of prominent New York politician, Charles DeWitt, 1727-86).

Extremely rare, one of only two known copies.