"THE MAIN SPRING OF REPUBLICANISM AND THE BULWARK OF OUR NATION" (DECLARATION OF...

"THE MAIN SPRING OF REPUBLICANISM AND THE BULWARK OF OUR NATION" (DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.) In Congress, July 4 1776, the Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. Engraving, 5 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches, printed on coated white stock, with border partly hand-colored in blue; moderate wear including a couple of light creases, manuscript note on verso. Boston: L.H. Bridgham, 1836

The first miniature printing of the Declaration of Independence, illustrated with the state seals and a portrait of Washington. On verso is a heartfelt patriotic inscription written the following year: "This simple declaration of rights of the American people is the foundation of the republic of the United States, and is the main spring of Republicanism and the bulwark of our nation, and is to be cherished by all generations, yea down to the latest posterity. Rex Republica, July 4 1837." Below that, the unidentified author has written the names of the past and current presidents, Jackson and Van Buren. Bidwell, American History in Image and Text 15.