Beschreibung:

Title: At a meeting of Delegates from ninety-seven towns of the State of Connecticut, convened at New-Haven, on the 29th day of August, 1804… Address to the People of the State of Connecticut Author: Judd, William, et al Place: New Haven Publisher: Date: 1804 Description: Broadside, printed on both sides, text in two columns. Approximately 17¾x10¾". Rare original 1804 broadside, an important document in American constitutional history, pitting Federalists against Jeffersonian Republicans in the forging of a Connecticut state constitution, and citing the Declaration of Independence to assert religious freedom, separation of powers and expanded suffrage—issues assured with passage of the first Connecticut state constitution in 1818. Shaw & Shoemaker 6151. See Sabin 36846; Shaw & Shoemaker 6576. OCLC lists two copies: at Yale and the American Antiquarian Society. This rare 1804 broadside is central to America’s federal and state constitutional history at a time when fierce rivalry between Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans saw the emergence of the nation’s first political parties. Most of all, this Address gives voice to the important role of state constitutions in furthering a shift in suffrage laws, affirming the separation of powers, and asserting religious freedom. From 1776-1787 Connecticut (with Rhode Island) was distinguished by not joining other states in drafting a state constitution, adhering instead to its 1662 Charter. Connecticut also remained firm in its Federalist loyalties. In response, in May 1804, Republicans gathered in Hartford, where Abraham Bishop powerfully argued that Connecticut had no constitution. On the day of independence from Britain, he declared, when “the old charter of Charles II became null and void…. the people ought to have met in convention and framed a constitution. But the General Assembly interposed… Thus all the abuses inflicted on us when subject of a crown were fastened on us anew… We demand a constitution.” As this Address eloquently documents, the fight between Federalists and Republicans intensified that August. Again, in Hartford, “the doors were shut, all proceedings were in secret, a day was spent in deliberation, and a new Address was made to the people…. It was time to make a constitution, and the principles to be observed in making it were: no taxation without representation; free exercise of all religions, separation of the legislative, executive and judicial powers, independent judges [and] universal suffrage” (McMaster, History, 190-92). Although Federalists won the 1804 state elections, “the Republicans eventually succeeded, politically and constitutionally, because they were on the winning side of three issues: religious freedom, separation of powers, and expanded suffrage.” These were ultimately achieved in 1818 when the first Connecticut Constitution was enacted, and granted “suffrage to all adult white males who paid taxes or served in the military… provided for an independent judiciary… an independent executive,” and disestablished the Congregational Church (Horton, Connecticut State Constitution, 7). Federalists subsequently sought to revoke the commissions of William Judd and the other members of the Connecticut judiciary who primarily authored this Address. Lot Amendments Condition: Faint foldlines, small tape repair in margin on reverse, light foxing; very good. Item number: 269363