American Crisis, #III, 1777
$3.50
The very rare third part of the series by Paine, written to boost the morale of American troops. The pamphlet is dated “Philadelphia, April 19, 1777” at the end of the text. The verso of the title page prints proclamations by Gen. George Washington dated April 6 and 8, 1777, offering pardons to all army deserters who rejoin their corps before May 15, 1777. Paine thus wrote the pamphlet in mid-April 1777. In the text Paine predicts that Philadelphia will be a target of the British armies, as indeed it was that summer. Paine also warns of the consequence of a British victory over the rebellious colonists: “Britain, like a gamester nearly ruined, hath now put all her losses into one bet, and is playing a desperate game for the total.” Paine goes on to argue that complete independence is the only path forward. The separate pamphlet editions of THE AMERICAN CRISIS, all of which are rare, were printed in various cities and towns. The 52 pp. work is bound and side stitiched in a hand laid paper printed cover.
