John Hancock Broadside. One page, 11.25" x 15.5" (sight), Philadelphia; June 12, 1775. This broadside called upon the colonies to observe a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer as they were not truly free subjects. Issued by the President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock, and printed by William & Thomas Bradford. It reads in part: "...This Congress, therefore, considering the present critical, alarming and calamitous state of these Colonies, do earnestly recommend, that THURSDAY, the Twentieth day of July next, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the English Colonies of this Continent, as a day of public HUMILIATION, FASTING, and PRAYER, that we may, with united hearts and voices...offer up to the...Omnipotent and Merciful Disposer of Events...to forgive our iniquities...and to bless our rightful Sovereign King GEORGE III and inspire him with wisdom to discern and pursue the true interest of all his subjects, --- that a speedy end may be put to the civil discord between Great-Britain and the American Colonies, without further effusion of blood..." Mounted and framed to an overall size of 17.75" x 21.75". Not examined outside of the frame. Condition: Rubbed and toned from age with smoothed folds. Some creasing along right center margin. Small stain near upper right corner that does not affect text. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved