To the Inhabitants of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. Friends and Fellow Countrymen!
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.21a
Object Type
Temporary Loan
Date
1777
Printer
John Gill
(American, 1732 - 1785)
Place MadeBoston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Medium
printed paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 8 3/4 in (35.6 cm x 22.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA single-sheet printed broadside address directed to the citizens of Massachusetts. The document features a headline reading "To the Inhabitants of the STATE of / MASSACHUSETTS-BAY." followed by a secondary salutation that reads "FRIENDS and Fellow COUNTRYMEN!"
Historical NoteThis Revolutionary War-era broadside, titled "To the Inhabitants of the STATE of Massachusetts-Bay," is an official address from the state's House of Representatives comforting "Friends and Fellow Countrymen" amidst severe economic instability. The text directly responds to public petitions regarding inflation and a controversial act regulating paper currency ("bills of credit"). It defends the legislature’s fiscal policies, citing the immense cost of funding a domestic army and the rampant currency counterfeiting and depreciation destabilizing the region. This document highlights the complex internal economic crises and civil governance challenges faced by Massachusetts during the American Revolution.
Additional DetailsCredit Lineon loan courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.On view