A Brief History of the Revolution, with a Sketch of the Life of Captain John Hewson: Including the Constitution of the United States; a Statistical View of the Grand Federal Procession; Mr. Wilson’s Oration; Washington’s Farewell Address, & &.
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Philadelphian John Hewson (1745–1821) has been described as the first calico printer in America. He served during the Revolution and was captured near Burlington, New Jersey in 1778. Upon his escape, he returned to Philadelphia and discovered that the British had destroyed his manufacturing supplies.
The publisher, Mrs. Sarah Alcock seems to be only represented by this single imprint and we find nothing most immediately on her activities in the book trade.
Rare to commerce; the last copy found at auction was a little less than one hundred years ago.
Description: A Brief History of the Revolution, with a Sketch of the Life of Captain John Hewson: Including the Constitution of the United States; a Statistical View of the Grand Federal Procession; Mr. Wilson’s Oration; Washington’s Farewell Address, & &.
Philadelphia: Published by Mrs. Sarah Alcock, 1843. 110, [1, Contents], [3]pp. Illustrated with three wood engravings. Bound in later 3/4 calf and marbled sides, without original wrappers. Expert tissue mends to one joint and hinge; scattered stains and foxing else very good. From the library of Raymond L.J. Riling, his bookplate. bjcb 352226
[3733001]Sabin 31646. Howes H-458. Henkels, Proud Papers Sale: “Scarce and curious. Captain Hewson was the first calico printer in America, and printed during the Revolution handkerchiefs, with portraits of Washington on horseback.”
Price: $450.00