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Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
A Proclamation. The Frailty of Human Nature, the Wants of Individuals, and the Numerous Dangers which Surround Them… [Have] Impell'd Them to Form Societies, and establish Governments
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

A Proclamation. The Frailty of Human Nature, the Wants of Individuals, and the Numerous Dangers which Surround Them… [Have] Impell'd Them to Form Societies, and establish Governments

Artifact IDTL 2026.1.42
Object Type Temporary Loan
Date 1776
Author (1735 - 1826)
Printer (American, 1732 - 1803)
Place MadeWatertown, Massachusetts, United States of America
Medium Broadside engraving
DimensionsOverall H 28 3/4 in x W 24 3/4 in (73 cm x 62.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionJohn Adams,
A Proclamation. The Frailty of Human Nature, the Wants of Individuals, and the Numerous Dangers which Surround Them [. . .] [Have] Impell'd Them to Form Societies, and establish Governments
(Watertown: Benjamin Edes, 1776)







Historical NoteWritten by John Adams and others as the Massachusetts General Court absolved its allegiance to the Crown in January 1776, this was one of the first documents in which Americans championed independence by asserting that government exists solely for the happiness of the people. It was a philosophical precursor to the Declaration of Independence, drafted with similar language in the following months.
Additional Details
Credit 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.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view