American Revolution
"An Address Delivered at Charlestown, Mass., On The 17th of June, 1836... First Edition Booklet In Commemoration Of The Battle Of Bunker Hill" (61st Anniversary) by Alexander H. Everett
1836-Dated First Edition Booklet titled: "An Address Delivered at Charlestown, Mass., On The 17th of June, 1836, At The Request Of The Young Men, Without Distinction of Party, In Commemoration Of The Battle Of Bunker Hill" by Alexander H. Everett (1790-1847), Published in 1836 by Beals & Greene of Boston, Publisher's Gift as noted on cover, Choice Very Fine.
A historic Commemoration of "The Battle Of Bunker Hill" published in 1836 by Beals & Greene of Boston, on the 61st Anniversary of the Battle. This original first Edition publication has 71 pages, plus one page of notes, with self-wrappers intact, measuring 5.25" x 8.75". Overall, some light wear from use, whole and sound. It reads, in part:
"'Powder is scarce and must not be wasted: reserve your fire till you see the whites of their eyes; then take aim at the officers.'"
"What rolling clouds of smoke overspread the town? What sheets of living fire flash out from among them in all directions? Charlestown is in flames! The British General, annoyed at his first onset by the fire of a detachment stationed in the town, has ordered it to be burned... The ravenous element is now in full possession of the town. It devours with unrelenting fury house on house, and street on street. It reaches the church; envelopes the large edifice in its embraces, and ascends to the sky on its lofty spire, like the brilliant explosion of some vast volcano. Where now shall helpless age and infancy fly for refuge? Where shall the mother conduct her child, when death in all its various horrid forms surrounds her alike at home and abroad?"
Alexander Hill Everett was graduated from Harvard in 1806 with the highest honors in his class. He studied law in the office of John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) and accompanied Adams to Russia in 1809. In 1815 he was posted to the Netherlands. From 1825 to 1829, during the presidency of Adams, he served as the envoy to Spain. In 1843 President James K. Polk (1795-1849) appointed him commissioner to China, where he died on post. Throughout his career abroad and at home he was in high demand as a speaker. Several of his addresses were published in pamphlet form, including this stirring and graphic description of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which he delivered in Charlestown.
The survivors of the battle who were present at this memorial were: Colonel Richardson, of Newton; Simeon Tyler, of Camden, Maine; Captain Benjamin Webber, of Glouster; Israel Hunt, of New Hampshire; Major Isaac Andrews, of New Hampshire; Jesse Smith, of Salem; Micah Alcott, of Braintree; Enos Reynolds, of Boxford. Perhaps one of these survivors was the recipient of this original copy.