Revolutionary War-dated printed broadside issued by the "State of Massachusetts-Bay, In the House of Representatives," one page, 8.5 x 14.25, May 5, 1777. The legislature calls upon citizens to elect members to a council to draft a state constitution: "Whereas is it out peculiar duty to consult and promote the happiness of the good people of this state, having duly considered the advantages of forming…a new constitution of government; and conceiving it to be expectation of many, that we should recommend the most suitable method for effecting this valuable and important purpose, we do resolve, that…several towns and places in this state…send members to the general assembly, that…they make choice of men, in whose integrity and abilities they can place the greatest confidence; and…instruct them in one body with the council to form such a Constitution of Government as they shall judge best calculated to promote the happiness of this state." The conclusion of the text features the names of James Warren as speaker and John Avery as secretary. The reverse is annotated "1777, Ipswich," and bears what appears to be a voting tally on the right side. In fine condition, with blurry show-through on the right side from the "Ipswich" notation on the reverse.
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