American Revolution
1778 Charleston, South Carolina “Amnesty Proclamation” for Revolutionary War “Loyalists” “to forgive, and bury in Oblivion, their past failings and Transgressions.”...
June 13th, 1778, Printed Broadside - Handbill, Charleston (SC), Outlining the Continental Congress Requirements for Official Amnesty for English Loyalists, 1 page, Uniface, About Fine.
This extremely rare and important, historic 4” x 5.75” Proclamation Handbill is nearly full and complete. It appears that only the very last, lower portion of the final line is missing at the extreme bottom edge and a few scattered words lacking, as this item was discovered attached to an original South Carolina Colonial bank note as a backing and was sized to fit onto the back of that note, sold “as is” as such. The printed text is quite readable and primarily clear with some repair along the centerfolds which have some trivial tiny holes seen only when held up to a strong light, which would not be seen at all if matted and framed or placed in a display. It reads, in full:

"CHARLES-TOWN, (So. Carolina) June 13, 1778.

The following is a Copy of the the Proclamation, which was issued by the President with the Advice of the Privy Council, Friday the 5th of June, Instant.

- A PROCLAMATION. -

"WHEREAS the Honourable the Continental Congress, by their Act of the 23d Day of April last, did recommend to the Legislatures of the several States, to pass Laws, or to the Executive Authority of each State, it unvessed with sufficient Power, to issue Proclamations, offering Pardon, with such Exceptions, and under such Limitations and Restrictions as they shall think expedient, to such of the inhabitants, or Subjects as have levied War shall any of these States or adhered... and or abused the Enemy, and shall surrender themselves to any Civil or Military Officer (to) any of these States, and shall return to the State to which they may belong, before the tenth Day of June then next: And it is recommended, to the good and faithful Citizens of these States, to receive such returning Penitents with Compassion and Mercy, and to forgive, and bury in Oblivion, their past failings and Transgressions. And whereas many misguided and deluded People lately Inhabitants of this State, by artful and designing Men, Emissaries from East Florida, have been seduced to leave their Habitations and Families, and to withdraw themselves from this State, who now feeling their Error, and being convinced of the Falshoods and Misrepresentations of the Enemy, would gladly return to their Duty, and wish to be received and re-united to their Country, but are deterred by the Fear of Punishment. And whereas many others, useful Inhabitants of this State, who, from tender Consciences, Misapprehension, or Prejudice of former Prepossessions; and ... from Neglect, Inadver... (missing partial sentence)... have (taken) the Oath of Fidelity...."

This outstanding, Southern Revolutionary War dated document, offering a reconciliation to those who chose to support the Crown, is simply extraordinary in its superb content and rarity. The first we have seen in any auction or sale and are very privileged to be the first to offer this historic Museum quality document.