Printed version of Hopkinson's poem illustrated with pen and ink sketches. Contains 22 pen and ink sketches by B.F.Bensel. This bound folio is a limited edition print of Francis Hopkinson's "Battle of the Kegs," which recounts an attempt by Philadelphians to attack British ships in the Delaware with floating kegs of gunpowder. Each verse is accompanied by a detailed sketch. Printed in 1866, the sketches can provide some insight into the historical memory of nineteenth-century Philadelphia.
Braintree. By order of Congress, a general tribute of prayer and thanksgiving is offered up that day throughout the land. Thinks England must be convinced, by this time, that the Western Hemisphere is not to be conquered like slaves of the East. Two public addresses in the newspaper, one by General Lee, in which General W[ashingto]n's character is indirectly attacked; the other, by Silas Deane containing certain revelations of an alarming nature. The high breeding and politeness of Court d'Estaing and the French officers, contrasts strikingly with English naval civility. Introducing Mr. Samuel Bradford to Franklin's friendly notice.
Westerly, Rhode Island. Means taken for the defense of Rhode Island against the enemy; slaves emancipated to serve in battalions. General Spenser's abortive attempts against the enemy. Exorbitant prices charged for the necessaries of life. Does Franklin know any better expedient for mending the currency than severe taxation? Congratulates him on the negotiation of the treaties with France. The King and Queen of France and his Excellency daily toasted in the political circles of America. Concerning Franklin's address to Lord North of behalf of his captive countrymen. Pays him many compliments.
Attack on the publications and activities of reformist organizations in Great Britain and their attitudes towards events and ideas of the American and French revolutions.
For further information see article in Library Bulletin, 1950: Psychological warfare in 1776, by L.H. Butterfield, p.238. "Handbill probably written by Thomas Jefferson, translated and printed under the supervision of Benjamin Franklin and distributed among the Hessian troops on Staten Island, August, 1776. From the only known copy in the German state archives at Marburg." Also, 2 photostat copies. Publisher: [Philadelphia, 1776].
Subject(s): United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Participation, German; Propaganda, American
Informs him that the Americans are sinking a chevaux de frise in the "North" [Hudson] River opposite their fort at Kings Bridge, [N.Y.] in order to prevent passage of British vessels; mentions that fire ships are being prepared but remarks that their success depends on many contingencies; informs him that the British fleet now consists of between 150-200 vessels and mentions that Hessian troops and troops from Halifax, [N.S.] have arrived; informs him that new levies from New England and from the Southern colonies are arriving daily and estimates that the Americans' strength is at least double that of the enemy; expresses interest in obtaining a share in a privateer; [postscript]: informs him that John Trumbull wrote from Ticonderoga, [N.Y.] on 26 July that "they begin to be in a hopeful Way."
