This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2024
[WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799), dedicatee]. DUCHÉ, Jacob (1737-1798). The Duty of Standing Fast in Our Spiritual and Temporal Liberties, a Sermon, Preached in Christ-Church, July 7th, 1775. Philadelphia: James Humphreys, 1775. 8vo (216 x 133 mm). (Spotting throughout, upper corner dampstained, repaired loss on dedication leaf slightly affecting the first few letters). 19th-century half morocco, marbled sides (extremities rubbed). Provenance: Pennypacker Sale, 1907 (penciled note and printed catalogue description mounted on rear free endpaper); few contemporary inked notations. FIRST EDITION, dedicated to George Washington and delivered shortly after his appointment as Commander-in-Chief. Duché was Chaplain of Congress, but after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he changed his loyalty and in 1777 wrote Washington a letter severely criticizing the patriot cause. He left for England that year but after the war he wrote to Washington and others, this time asking for permission to return, which was granted in 1792. A RARE REVOLUTIONARY WAR PAMPHLET, the last being traced back to auction in 1970. Adams 160a; Evans 14013; Hildeburn 3197; Sabin 21051 (erroneously calls for a portrait engraving).