![[AMERICAN REVOLUTION] BENSON, Robert (1721-1823). In Provincial Congress, New-York, May 31, 1776. [New York: John Holt, 1776.] Broadside, (300 x 245 mm.) Small tear at upper right margin, light marginal toning, else very good.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2016/NYR/2016_NYR_12262_0365_000(american_revolution_benson_robert_in_provincial_congress_new-york_may105958).jpg?w=1)
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION] BENSON, Robert (1721-1823). In Provincial Congress, New-York, May 31, 1776. [New York: John Holt, 1776.] Broadside, (300 x 245 mm.) Small tear at upper right margin, light marginal toning, else very good.
In the rush toward independence, New York, acting on the recommendation of the Continental Congress resolves to form a government after “the Exclusion of this Colony from the Protection of the King of Great-Britain.” A rare broadside that led to the drafting and approval of New York's first independent constitution the following year.
Rare. Evans 14934. Only one copy sourced in institutional holdings (New York Historical Society). American Book Prices Current records only one sale of this broadside in 1991. Provenance: from the estate of a descendant of William Floyd and David Gelston.
An important broadside, issued ten days after the Continental Congress resolved that colonies currently under rebellion without a regular government should begin to form them: “WHEREAS the present Government of this Colony by Congress and Committees, was instituted while the former Government under the Crown of Great-Britain existed in full Force; and w[a]s established for the sole Purpose of opposing the Usurpation of the British Parliament, and wa[s] intended to expire on a Reconciliation with Great-Britain, which was then apprehended would soon tak[e] place, but is now considered as remote and uncertain...AND whereas many a great Inconveniences attend the said Mode of Government by Congress and Committees, as of Necessity in many Instances Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Powers have been vetted therein, especially since the Dissolution of the former Government by the Abdication of the late Governor, and the Exclusion of this Colony form the Protection of the King of Great-Britain.”
After reprinting the 10 May 1776 resolve of the Continental Congress, the broadside's text continues: “AND whereas Doubts have arisen whether this Congress are invested with sufficient Power and Authority to deliberate and determine on so important a Subject as the Necessity of erecting and constituting a new Form of Government and internal Police, to the Exclusion of all Foreign Jurisdictions, Dominion and Control whatever.--And whereas it appertains of Right solely to the People of this Colony to determine the said Doubts…” elections were to be held to choose deputies representing New York's counties, to meet in the city on “the second Monday in July next.”
On the verso, an unidentified hand has added a few notes concerning the process outlined on the broadside: “Candidates to be Chosen ye 18th Day of this Instant Return to be made ye 21st at 11 Clock Election the ---- 25th Return Thursday -- 27 at 11 Clock in ye forenoon at which Time the County Committee Meet.”
Between that announcement and the July meeting, a good deal of change occurred. In light of the growing threat of the British, who throughout the summer were gathering forces on Staten Island in preparation to capture New York City, the deputies first met in convention at White Plains on 10 July. The subsequent capture of Brooklyn and New York City, and Washington's ultimate retreat into New Jersey delayed proceedings, which were finally concluded on 20 April 1777 when the convention adopted a constitution.
In the rush toward independence, New York, acting on the recommendation of the Continental Congress resolves to form a government after “the Exclusion of this Colony from the Protection of the King of Great-Britain.” A rare broadside that led to the drafting and approval of New York's first independent constitution the following year.
Rare. Evans 14934. Only one copy sourced in institutional holdings (New York Historical Society). American Book Prices Current records only one sale of this broadside in 1991. Provenance: from the estate of a descendant of William Floyd and David Gelston.
An important broadside, issued ten days after the Continental Congress resolved that colonies currently under rebellion without a regular government should begin to form them: “WHEREAS the present Government of this Colony by Congress and Committees, was instituted while the former Government under the Crown of Great-Britain existed in full Force; and w[a]s established for the sole Purpose of opposing the Usurpation of the British Parliament, and wa[s] intended to expire on a Reconciliation with Great-Britain, which was then apprehended would soon tak[e] place, but is now considered as remote and uncertain...AND whereas many a great Inconveniences attend the said Mode of Government by Congress and Committees, as of Necessity in many Instances Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Powers have been vetted therein, especially since the Dissolution of the former Government by the Abdication of the late Governor, and the Exclusion of this Colony form the Protection of the King of Great-Britain.”
After reprinting the 10 May 1776 resolve of the Continental Congress, the broadside's text continues: “AND whereas Doubts have arisen whether this Congress are invested with sufficient Power and Authority to deliberate and determine on so important a Subject as the Necessity of erecting and constituting a new Form of Government and internal Police, to the Exclusion of all Foreign Jurisdictions, Dominion and Control whatever.--And whereas it appertains of Right solely to the People of this Colony to determine the said Doubts…” elections were to be held to choose deputies representing New York's counties, to meet in the city on “the second Monday in July next.”
On the verso, an unidentified hand has added a few notes concerning the process outlined on the broadside: “Candidates to be Chosen ye 18th Day of this Instant Return to be made ye 21st at 11 Clock Election the ---- 25th Return Thursday -- 27 at 11 Clock in ye forenoon at which Time the County Committee Meet.”
Between that announcement and the July meeting, a good deal of change occurred. In light of the growing threat of the British, who throughout the summer were gathering forces on Staten Island in preparation to capture New York City, the deputies first met in convention at White Plains on 10 July. The subsequent capture of Brooklyn and New York City, and Washington's ultimate retreat into New Jersey delayed proceedings, which were finally concluded on 20 April 1777 when the convention adopted a constitution.