Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2007 Issue
Early Americana from Michael Brown Rare Books
King George declares the War of Jenkins' Ear.
Item 87 is a Senate report that led to one of the most important events in American history: Mississippi Question. Report of a Debate in the Senate...Concerning the Violation of the Right of Deposit in the Island of New Orleans. This early 1803 report concerned "oppressive conduct of the Spanish Government at New Orleans." The Spanish were ignoring treaty agreements to allow American traders access to shipping at New Orleans. Spain was under the domination of France's Napoleon at the time, so Jefferson dispatched James Monroe to Paris in an attempt to purchase New Orleans from the French. Of course, as we all now know, France did him one better, offering the entire Louisiana Territory for sale. $1,000.
Item 191 is the declaration of the first foreign war to summon Americans. The year was 1739, and King George declared war against the Spanish. The British were always fighting the Spanish or French or someone over something at the time. This time it was the absurd War of Jenkins' Ear, when a British ship captain presented his lopped off ear to Parliament and demanded revenge for his lost honor. Once war was declared, the British requested volunteers from the colonies, which were provided. In America, the British attacked Spain's settlement in Florida, with no success, while the Spanish were equally adept at wresting Georgia from British control. Eventually, this war wore down, as the parties became involved in more serious conflicts in Europe. Offered is a 1739 broadside from London announcing His Majesty's Declaration of War against the King of Spain. $8,500.
Item 15 was sort of a last chance offering to New Yorkers who were still loyal to the British crown. It is a broadside headed A Declaration...passed May 10, 1777, offering free pardon to such of the subjects of the said state, as, having committed treasonable acts against the same, shall return their allegiance... Of course the Tories probably thought they were the ones who were loyal. $7,500.
Michael Brown Rare Books may be reached online at www.mbamericana.com or 215-387-9808.
