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American Revolution: 1776 Massachusetts Broadside to Ascertain Inhabitants

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American Revolution: 1776 Massachusetts Broadside to Ascertain Inhabitants
1776, Massachusetts Broadside, "An Act for the carrying into Execution A Resolve of the American CONGRESS, for ascertaining the Number of Inhabitants in this Colony." 17" x 7", printed on laid paper, Choice Extremely Fine. The Act begins: "Whereas the American Congress have recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, Councils, and Committees of Safety, of the respective Colonies, to ascertain...the Number of Inhabitants in the Colonies respectively: Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives...That the Selectmen who shall be chosen in each Town within this Colony; for the Year One Thousand seven Hundred and Seventy six...shall take an exact Account of the Number of Inhabitants of all Ages, including Negroes and Molattoes, (distinguishing the Number of each)...and all Soldiers and Seamen...and that they shall make Return of the same into the Secretary's Office of this Colony on or before the last Day of June next. Penalties are set out for selectmen who fail to perform their duty, as well as for parents, masters, or mistresses of any family who refuse to cooperate or give false information. Committees are then appointed for the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, York, Cumberland, and Lincoln, and the appointed selectment are ordered to swear or affirm that they will "faithfully and truly execute and perform the Duty and Service required of you, by one Act or Law of this Colony...for ascertaining the Number of Inhabitants in this Colony. So help you God." The broadside has normal folds and light, even toning. An important broadside from the magical year of 1776.