An Address To The Inhabitants Of Pennsylvania, By Those Freemen, Of The City Of Philadelphia, Who Are Now Confined In The Mason's Lodge, By Virtue Of A General Warrant. Signed In Council By The Vice President Of The Council Of Pennsylvania.

ISRAEL PEMBERTON

Publication: Printed by Robert Bell 1777, Philadelphia

First edition. 8vo. Binder, [4], 52 pp. This is a paper of great significance in the struggle for civil liberty and religious freedom. On religious grounds, Pemberton and other Quakers refused to swear allegiance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "These Quakers were imprisoned for security reasons by the Revolutionary Council of Pennsylvania." Howes P101. "These freemen, principally Quakers, were imprisoned in consequence of their refusal 'not to depart from their dwelling-houses and engage to refrain from doing anything injurious to the United States, by speaking, writing, or otherwise..." Sabin 59610. Pemberton offers a passionate denunciation of their arrests: no warrants charging a specific crime, no opportunity to be heard. The documents and letters are printed here, and Pemberton reviews them in detail.

Inked name of former owner Sam Elam at top of front page, minor light foxing throughout else a solid very good clean and tight copy. Housed in a quarter cloth and boards binder with titles stamped in silver on the front cover,