Home >
The Declaration of Independence... Early Philadelphia printing...
The Declaration of Independence... Early Philadelphia printing...
Item # 611772
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
July 13, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, July 13, 1776 Page two contains the complete text of the Declaration of Independence, taking most of the first column and almost the entire second column, signed at its conclusion: John Hancock.
A weekly newspaper at the time, this was the thirteenth newspaper to print the Declaration, preceded by five other Philadelphia newspapers (one German), three from Maryland, three from New York and one from Connecticut. The document would appear in no less than 16 additional colonial newspapers within the next 9 days and many more in subsequent days & weeks, some Southern newspapers not printing the document until August.
Of this five English language newspapers from Philadelphia, Brigham (History & Bibliography of American Newspapers) notes just 7 institutions hold the Ledger for July 13, while the Declaration issue of the Evening Post is held by 12; the Pa. Packet is held by 12; the Pa. Gazette held by 17; and the Pa. Journal held by 8, making the Ledger Declaration of Independence issue the least held of the Philadelphia printings.
Although it pales in comparison, most of page 3 is taken up with the: "Constitution of New Jersey", signed at its conclusion by the President of the New Jersey Provincial Congress: Samuel Tucker.
Complete as a four page issue, damp staining to the lower left causes no loss of readability. Being the editor's file copy there are numeric notations next to advertisements. Generally in very nice condition.
Category: Revolutionary War