“Galloway here answered the circulated “calumny” that he had been responsible for the “offices of Justice” not opening for business during the Stamp Act crisis. Ascribed to the BF and DH press on this evidence: “Joseph Galloway, Esq., For printing 400 Copies of his Vindication relating to opening the Publick Offices, £ 1.5.0” (BF and DH Workbook No. 2, p. 142, Dec. 20, 1765).” – Miller, 838      Evans 9977, Hildeburn 2127, Miller, Franklin, 838, locating two copies only, PHi and PPL. Very scarce product of Franklin’s press, the last, and only, copy to appear at auction was in 1970.      Joseph Galloway, colonial statesman, Loyalist. He rose to early eminence at the Philadelphia bar; member of Pennsylvania Assembly 1754-64, 1766-76. An able politician, he served the interests of his own merchant class. As speaker of the Assembly, 1766-75, he attempted to restore harmony with England believing that difficulties were basically constitutional and could be solved by provision of a written imperial constitution. Conscience, legalism and pride forbade his adherence to the American cause although he was a delegate to the First Continental Congress. Going over to the British, he was of great service to General Howe. He went to England in 1778, where he became spokesman for the American Loyalists. His many tracts and pamphlets are important… more >