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1774 Boston Newspaper With Paul Revere’s "JOIN OR DIE" Engraved “Severed Snake” Woodcut in its Masthead

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November 24, 1774-Dated Pre-Revolutionary War Colonial Period, Newspaper titled, "The Massachusetts Spy Or, Thomas's Boston Journal.", with the historic "JOIN OR DIE" Patriotic Legend within a “Severed Snake” Design in the Masthead, representing the American Colonies, published by Isaiah Thomas (1749-1831), Boston, Very Good.

Issue (Number 199). This absolutely authentic, expectionally rare four-page complete Newspaper measures 18" x 11.75", printed in Boston by Isaiah Thomas. The “JOIN OR DIE” shown above a “Severed Snake” design. Each partial section of the Snake being labeled as one of the American Colonies (all of New England, represented as “N E” is one section of its own being the head). The concept for the design was first used by Benjamin Franklin as an editorial cartoon, placed in his Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. This motif being a nod to the "Unite Or Die" engraving, also used in the masthead of the Pennsylvania Journal for a period of time, created by Ben Franklin during the earlier French & Indian War.

This newspaper’s Masthead is engraved by none other than famed Boston Patriot Silversmith and a founding “Sons of Liberty” member, Paul Revere. This historically important Paul Revere Engraved Woodcut features a giant Snake cut into smaller sections, shown facing a snarling evil Dragon (England). The Snake’s “reconnected” parts being labeled with the Initials of the American Colonies from New England down to Georgia. Paul Revere also engraved the other portions of the large masthead. This newspaper is in fragile and damaged condition, with fold splits, tears, and stains, as well as about an 5" x 3" paper loss to the first column on the front page, small tear holes at the folds and having a few stains and internal tears. The original owner’s name, “D Ashlee” is written in the upper right outer margin in brown ink.

Isaiah Thomas established the Massachusetts Spy, a newspaper that played a crucial role in disseminating revolutionary ideas and information during the American Revolution. The Massachusetts Spy was first published in Boston on July 17, 1770. Thomas used the newspaper as a platform to express his pro-American Patriotic sentiments and advocate for Colonial rights.

The newspaper gained popularity for its bold stance against British policies and its support for the revolutionary cause. Thomas faced challenges from British authorities who attempted to suppress the publication. Despite these challenges, the Massachusetts Spy continued to be an influential voice in the Revolutionary movement.

Thomas made clear in his History of Printing in North-America how this was a formidable animal: “The head and tail of the snake were supplied with stings, for defence against the dragon [of Great Britain], which appeared furious, and as bent on attacking the snake. "This design is similar, and has the addition of a Griffin snarling at the head of the snake (most likely representing Great Britain). The front page is nearly entirely dedicated to a speech made in the Continental Congress, which details all of the wrongs committed by Britain against the Colonies. Page 3 has a letter from Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson dated March 9, 1774, to Lord Dartmouth, writing of the unrest in the Colony over British measures, and mentions the Boston Tea Party. There is a reward ad for a runaway Indian boy on the back page.

Recently, a similar issue dated October 27, 1774, Issue number 195, in Very Fine condition was being offered to sell at $18,500 by a major historic Newspaper dealer with the comment: “In our 46 years in this hobby we have never located an issue for sale. This is our first.” Regardless of the current examples condition issues, it remains a remarkable highlight for any Revolutionary War or specialised historic Newspaper collection, and absolutely lacking in virtually all.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF

AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
Isaiah Thomas himself had an interesting life. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and apprenticed as a printer. Over the years, he became a successful printer, bookseller, and publisher. He played a crucial role in the dissemination of American Revolutionary literature and was involved in the printing of important documents, including the first official printed copy of the Declaration of Independence.

After the start of the Revolutionary War, Isaiah Thomas moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he continued his career in printing and publishing. In Worcester, he established the American Antiquarian Society in 1812, a research library that aimed to preserve the history of the United States through printed materials.

Isaiah Thomas's contributions to the American Revolution, journalism, and the preservation of historical materials have left a lasting legacy. The Massachusetts Spy, under his guidance, is remembered as a significant publication that played a role in shaping public opinion during a crucial period in American history.

American Patriot Isaiah Thomas was the publisher of this newspaper who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War period. This highly political paper that was constantly on the verge of being suppressed by the British Royal Governor from the time of its establishment in 1770 thru 1776. This period being preliminary to the outbreak of the American Revolution. Between the years 1771 to 1773 the Massachusetts Spy featured the essays of various anonymous political commentators.

The “Spy” soon carried Patriot radicalism to its logical conclusion. Articles from the Spy were reprinted in many other American newspapers. Shortly afterwards, Thomas Paine's “Common Sense” (1776) was published. The Spy newspaper had to be removed from Boston, and relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts after its April 6, 1775 issue. This being only days before the start of the Revolutionary War at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, later the subsequent Siege of Boston. The move of the American Patriotic Newspaper to prevent the arrest of the publisher and printers, and the essential printing presses from being seized and destroyed by the British.
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Lot Number: 103
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