Observations on a Late Pamphlet, entitled, "Considerations upon the Society or Order of the Cincinnati," clearly evincing the Innocence and Propriety of that Honourable and Respectable Institution….
Philadelphia: Robert Bell, 1783. Most interesting for the 4 pp of advertisements, which include the announcement for sale of Captain Cook's 1st, 2nd & 3rd voyage, at $4, $16, and $2 respectively. Bell published numerous editions of Thomas Paine's works, and others on the American Revolution. His advertised offer of Cook's 3 voyages appears to be somewhat of an exaggeration - he did publish the first American publication of Cook's 3rd voyage in 1783, which was a reprint of Rickman's account of the 3rd voyage, 1st published in London in 1781. The edition was disparaged in the Gentleman's Magazine as "a miserable edition". The official account of the voyage was not published until 1784. Bell also offers "New Publications just imported from various parts of Europe; also several New Books and Pamphlets Lately printed and now selling, at Bell's Book-store, near St. Paul's Church, in Third Street, Philadelphia." It is also notable that Cook's Voyages constituted three of the 11 books listed in the adverts. Two new publications by Bell receive full-page advertisements - for John Adams "Observations on the Commerce of the American States", published by Bell in 1783. The other is for "Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati..." by 'Cassius', who is supposed to have been Aedanus Burke, one of the Chief Justices of South Carolina, whose pamphlet formed the basis of Mirabeau's work on the subject. The authorship of this pamphlet is ascribed to Stephen Moylan, one of the Founders of the Order of Cincinnati, who signs himself, at the end, "An Obscure Individual." Howes O-9.
8vo pamphlet, 28pp & 4 pp adverts. Later marbled paper wrappers, couple of chipped edges. OCLC: 57670687; Trove 25676165. Otherwise very good condition. Item #10394
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