Description
First edition of Observations on a Variety of Subjects; Literary, Moral, and Religious, published by John Dunlap in 1774.
Twelvemo, x, 241pp, [1]. Full calf, thin gilt trim to fore edge of covers. Five raised bands, title in gilt on morocco label affixed to spine. Binding heavily worn, some peeling and a few wormholes to covers, rubbed head and tail of spine, still sound. Heavy toning internally, text is still legible. (George Brinley 3135) (Hildeburn 3008) (Evans 13259) (Sabin 21055)
Inscription on front free endpaper: “The following Letters are supposed to be wrote by The Rev. Mr. Dushe… such was the information of Dr. Henry Purcel Recnor of Sr. Micheals Charleston S.C. to Col. John Beale; from the same information, + as it appears, the name of Tamoc Caspipina, was formed of the following initials. The, Assistant, Minister, of, Christ, Church, And, St., Peters (or Pauls), In, Philadelphia, In, North, America.” A very rare example, with only one other copy on the public market.
This is the original edition of “Caspipina’s Letters,” with the final letter of the volume signed by “Tamoc Caspipina.”Jacob Duché (1737-1798) was an American Episcopal clergyman known for his role in the early days of the American Revolution. He gained historical significance as the first chaplain to the Continental Congress and for delivering the opening prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774. However, in 1777, he defected to the British side and urged George Washington to negotiate peace with the British. Duché fled to England to escape criticism from the revolutionaries, only returning to the states after suffering a stroke in 1792.
