LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25989

Fourth of July 1816 Oration Manuscript

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:175.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 900.00 USD
Fourth of July 1816 Oration Manuscript
<B>Fourth of July 1816 Oration.</B></I> Manuscript, fifteen pages bound with wire, 6.25" x 7.5", Southampton, July 4, 1816. Notation on verso reads: "<I>4th of July Oration delivered by Wm. Jessup at Southampton in 1816</B></I>". Text for a speech given on Independence Day just about a year following the War of 1812. "<I>...The 4 of July 1816 is perhaps one of the most glorious ever celebrated by Republican Americans -- The events and termination of the late glorious war with Great Britain -- The termination of the late War with the Pirates of Africa -- The extension and Diffusion of Democratic principles through out the union -- The free, extensive, uninterrupted, and, prosperous commerce... are themes of exultation and joy to every true American... The American with pleasing anticipation looks forward to a time when this republic shall give laws to the world...</B></I>" Jessup then proceeds to narrate the atrocities committed by the French and the British before the War of 1812: "<I>... thousands of our seamen were dragged from their homes... dragged from his family and country to fight the battles of a nation which his soul abhors... </B></I>" Jessup also reminds his audience of the blessings of liberty including "<I>...Education, and we must consider the extension of political knowledge as one of our greatest privileges -- A free and unrestricted Press is an invaluable blessing to any people --- to a republic it is indispensable -- this is the Vehicle of Knowledge of our enlightened people without which how soon would they sink into insignificancy --- The first ambitious aspiring Demagogue would bind the iron brand of slavery fast upon their necks... an enlightened people can never be slaves...</B></I>" Much more fine content. Early celebratory orations recalling the Founding Fathers and their contribution to American independence are quite desirable; this is one of the finest we've encountered. <I>From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I>
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