This hand-colored engraving mocks the supporters of the Stamp Act. Published on the same day that the act was repealed, the print became so popular that the publisher could not keep pace with the orders he received, and it became one of the period’s most copied satirical prints. Acquired with support from the Barksdale-Dabney-Henry Fund. British Prints Collection, Graphic Arts Collection.
FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION: Read more on the Graphic Arts blog.
This leather-covered pine box commemorates the repeal of the Stamp Act from England to America. It is embossed with the monogram of King George III (r. 1760–1820) and inscribed “GR | Stamp Act Rep’d | March 18, 1766.” Inside, the box is lined with pages from an agricultural journal. It was owned by John Witherspoon (1723–1794), the sixth president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Gift of William Patton Woods, Class of 1884. Museum Objects Collection, Graphic Arts Collection.
In 1765, the British Parliament imposed a tax on printed materials in the American colonies to help pay for troops stationed in North America after the Seven Years’ War. However, many colonists believed the act violated their rights as British subjects to be taxed only if they were represented in Parliament. They responded with riots, boycotts, and other organized protests, and the act was repealed in 1766. Gift of Sidney Lapidus, Class of 1959. Rare Book Division.
FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION: See this item’s catalog record, or read more about this item in a previous exhibition, “Liberty and the American Revolution.”