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ADVERTISEMENT. Philadelphia, December 20, 1765. To the PUBLICK. Whereas, a Report has been propagated, that at a Meeting of the Gentlemen of the Bar of this City, I gave Opposition to the Opening of the Offices of Justice, and that such Opposition is the cause of Publick Business not being transacted in the usual Manner, without Stampt Paper. I have Repeatedly, and in various companies, denied the Truth of this Report, and fully explained my conduct at this meeting in Hopes thereby to put a stop to the further progress of this Calumny, but in vain. I am therefore obliged, in Vindication of my Character, to undeceive the Publick by the following Explanation… Joseph Galloway
[Philadelphia] [Benjamin Franklin and David Hall] [1765] broadside, measuring 15 ¼ x 9 ⅝ inches, printed on unmarked American paper in Caslon English, upper and lower left-hand corners rounded, remains of framer’s hinges on verso, else in fine, clean condition.
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“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 sources for the history of the Revolution.
