Superb Pair of Anti-Masonic Party Broadsides, 1830s

Included in this lot of two large printed broadsides:

1) Broadside, “A Disclosure / From the Anti-Masonic Christian Herald”, Samuel G. Anderton, 1p, 10.75” x 14.25”, Boston, March 15, 1830. Flattened folds, some with minor separation; light creasing; toning; else, near fine condition.

The Anti-Masonic Party, considered America's first third party, was founded in response to the Morgan Affair of 1826. Captain William Morgan was murdered; the suspects being local Masons who were enraged by Morgan's supposed betrayal of Masonic secrets. This broadside claims a similar story: "On Monday last, [the 15th of March,] Mr. Samuel G. Anderton, of Boston, a Knight Templar, voluntarily...made a solemn oath...disclosing a most barbarous MURDER, of which he was an eye witness, in a Royal Arch Chapter of Freemasons!” The tale was proved "wholly untrue" as early as 1832, and Cummings describes the tale as a "palpable falsehood". Regardless of veracity, the broadside is representative of the widespread anti-Mason sentiments that led to the success of the party in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Anderton’s account appeared in Boston in a more common 8-page pamphlet form, titled “Masonry the Same All Over the World”. The broadside form is rarer, and this particular printing even more so.

2) Letterpress Broadside, “Supplement to the Watchman and State Gazette”, 1p, 10.875" x 15.25", [Montpelier, Vermont], October 19, 1835. Flattened folds; light creasing; a few pinholes; scattered foxing; some spotting to bottom left blank margin; else, near fine condition.

A broadside issued to announce the Anti-Masonic party's meeting in which they have laid out their political stances: "these views are well known; and would, under ordinary circumstances need no reiteration. But, inasmuch as the time approaches when the Antimasons of Vermont will be called on to act in an election deeply involving the welfare of the whole country, and in which their attachment to the principles they have avowed will be put to a severe trial, it would seem to be fitting that they should re-examine those principles, and decide whether they will, with the firmness and constancy of Antimasons." Following are the 17 state principles with the Chairman of the party, Silas H. Jenison, signing in print. Jenison was elected Lieutenant Governor of Vermont in 1835, with Whig support. No candidate received a majority, and the General Assembly opted to allow him to act as governor until the next election, which he duly won under the Whig ticket. Vermont was a stronghold of the Anti-Masonic Party, electing Wilmer A. Palmer in 1831 on an Anti-Masonic ticket. In 1832, William Wirt, himself a former Mason, ran for president on the ticket, carrying Vermont and gaining 7.8% of the vote.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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