Journal of the Proceedings of the First Continental Congress in 1774, Owned and Signed by Charles Thomson

Secretary of the Continental Congress Charles Thomson signs the very rare second issue of the first edition including the Petition to the King. The title page bears the famous seal of the Congress, showing twelve hands representing the twelve participating colonies (Georgia did not send delegates) supporting a column topped with a Liberty Cap resting on the Magna Charta, framed by the Latin motto “Hanc Tuemur Hanc Nitimur” (“This we defend; this we lean upon”).

This rare second issue was likely published in December 1774 or perhaps early in 1775. The first issue had been published in November, when the contents of the very important Petition to the King, drafted and sent on October 1, 1774, remained secret. The petition, which likely reached London sometime in late November, sought redress with a promise of loyalty if the status quo of 1764 were restored and is included in this issue (135-144). This issue also includes Thomas Gage’s October 20 response (133-134) to Peyton Randolph’s appeal of September 10.

★ Charles Thomson Signed Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress, held at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774, 1st ed., 2nd issue. Philadelphia: Printed by William Bradford and Thomas Bradford, at the London Coffee House, 1774. 144 pp., 5 x 7¾ in. #27201.99