Broadside Printed in Salem, Massachusetts

Ezekiel Russell issued this broadside edition of the Declaration, printed in Salem, Massachusetts, less than two weeks after the Declaration’s approval in Philadelphia. Unlike other early broadside versions, this one has an added paragraph stating that the Revolutionary Council of the State of Massachusetts ordered a copy sent “to the Ministers of each Parish, of every Denomination, within this State.” This copy was read by Rev. Caleb Curtis to his congregation in the town of Charlton, Massachusetts. Gift of Edward Irving Comins.