Lot 101
State of New Hampshire Broadside, 1781. Broadside, 12¼ x 7½ in. New Hampshire broadside, addressed to the selectmen of Seabrook, dated at Exeter, April 5, 1781, and signed in print by M. Weare, President, and E. Thompson, Secretary. The broadside calls for the different towns and districts of the state to choose delegates to "meet in Convention for the Purpose of forming and laying a permanent Plan or System of Government, for the future Happiness and well-bing of the good People of this State." Overall toning and light foxing; tear in blank top right margin and top right edge is uneven. Evans 17250. Framed to 14½ x 19¼ in. Not viewed out of frame.
In 1776, New Hampshire became the first of the thirteen colonies to adopt a constitution and create an independent commonwealth government. That constitution, however, limited the ability of many New Hampshire citizens to participate in the selection of their representatives, and one of the purposes of the 1781 convention was to address this issue. The convention was contentious, lasting over two years; the constitution was rejected four times before finally being approved and put into effect in June 1784. The New Hampshire constitution expanded suffrage and included a bill of rights. It was one of the earliest documents establishing the republican form of government and influenced the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
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