American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

Group of 2 items, comprising: 6 1/4 x 3 3/4 in. printed invitation to "the annual meeting of the WASHINGTON SOCIETY, for the choice of Officers" to be held at the Marlboro Hotel. Boston, 15 February 1823. Signed in type by Thaddeus Page, as Recording Secretary. (Seal removed, light creasing and toning). Manuscript identification on verso "Mr. Horace Stearns." -- Printed event announcement, 1p, 8 x 10 in. (creasing at folds, toning), folio, with integral address leaf. Boston, 27 June 1825. The Corresponding Secretary for the Washington Society writes to inform the recipient that the Society has made arrangements "to celebrate the ensuing Anniversary of American Independence, by a public Dinner at Concert Hall. Tickets at $2.50." Addressed to "Mr. Horace Stearns / Boston."

[With:] Printed "Regimental Orders" for the 1st Regiment 3d Brigade, 1st Division, Massachusetts Militia. Boston, 27 June 1823. 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. Commissioned officers of the regiment are to meet in the Massachusetts Senate Chamber on the Fourth of July "to accompany them to the Church in Marlborough-Street. From thence to the State House, to partake of a public collation." Signed by the regimental adjutant. Verso with manuscript identification to "Ensign Horace Stearns." -- Printed "Commonwealth of Massachusetts" invitation bearing a patriotic flag motif, and issued to the 1st Regiment 3d Brigade, 1st Division Massachusetts Militia with a request for commissioned officers' participation in the July 4th commemorations. Boston, 30 June 1824. Verso with manuscript identification to "Ensign Horace Stearns / 1st Reg 3rd Brig / 1st Div."

The Washington Society, founded ca 1805, was associated with the Young Republicans. An 1823 publication of the Society identifies Horace Stearns (possibly 1800-1871) as a Washington Society member.