Anonymous, c. 1750

EARLY AMERICAN FINANCE – Broadside. The Case of the Inhabitants in Pensilvania. [Philadelphia? c. 1750].

Pennsylvania resists London's moves against colonial-issued paper money. A rare and unusual broadside that discusses an anti-paper money bill then pending in Parliament. The anonymous author takes pains to demonstrate that while some colonies (especially those in New England) followed practices that led to the devaluation of their currencies, Pennsylvania had been prudent in limiting the amount in circulation and exhorting in closing: "IT is humbly hoped that this Bill WILL NOT PASS." Bristol B1170, Shipton & Money 40217 with both assigning a date of 1742. This date is likely based on the mention of the siege of Cartagena (1741) in the text. However the text references additionally the capture of Cape Breton Island which would suggest this broadside was produced sometime after 1745.

Printed broadside, 418 x 265mm (partial split at lower horizontal crease, slight loss along left margin infilled with laid paper, light foxing) tipped along lower margin into a half-calf quarto folder.