Democrat Extra. Prompt Patriotism

[WAR OF 1812]. Democrat Extra: July 21, 1812. Prompt Patriotism. Folio, 2pp. circular letter (3 columns) + integral address-leaf. [Northampton, Mass.: Printed by Caleb Clapp, July 21, 1812].

"The struggle for the union may be an arduous one, but the fabric of Washington is not to be overturned by desperate party men."Congress declared war with Great Britain on June 18, 1812, an act which brought about swift declarations of American patriotism. This declares that "At a convention of republican delegates, consisting of one hundred and forty-two members, from fifty one towns,...comprising the counties Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden, convened at the courthouse in Northampton...Your committee are fully convinced that the present war is not only just but necessary and unavoidable...If the war of the revolution was just, this war is not less so. That was a war against arbitrary taxation of the British Parliament. It was a war for Independence. It was a war for liberty and equal rights. It was begun in honor and ended in glory...The present war is a contest undertaken in defence of rights not less essential, and for priviledges [sic] not less dear...Resolved, That this report and resolutions" be forwarded "to the President of the United States, and to cause the same to be published in the Democrat in Northampton. Samuel Buffington, Esq, was unanimously chosen Moderator, and Thomas Shepherd, Secretary of the Convention." This copy is addressed by hand to the Selectmen of Harvard, Massachusetts. Folded for mailing, there being a few minor old tape repairs at folds, touching just a few letters. The Northampton Democrat was established as a weekly March 12, 1811, with the last issue located being that of Aug. 17, 1813. Brigham, History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690-1820, vol. I, p. 385, records one copy of this "extra" circular letter (N.Y. State Lib.) There is also a copy at AAS.