ANTI-MASONIC NOMINATION. FOR CONGRESS MICAH H. RUGGLES, OF FALL RIVER. FROM THE MORAL ENVOY, OCTOBER 20, 1830.
[Fall River? 1830]. Printed broadside, folio, 9-1/4" x 14-1/2." Printed in three columns, each column separated by a rule. Browned. Good plus.
Fifteen citizens of Fall River sign their names in type at the end, extolling Ruggles's "transcendent merits as an Anti-Mason." Anti-Masonic sentiment focused on Freemasonry's secret oaths and rituals, which suggested that its adherents gave their primary loyalty to Masonry instead of to the U.S. and the Constitution.
This broadside expresses that sentiment intensely. It proudly endorses Ruggles as a single-issue candidate. "We have not enquired what are Mr. Ruggles' opinions in relation to the tariff, internal improvements and the like. These facts however are unquestionable - that he is. . . a thorough going, undeviating and consistent Anti-mason."
Ruggles was a solid citizen of Fall River. He was the first president of the Fall River Savings Bank. In the Congressional election, James Hodges defeated him in a very close vote.
Not located in American Imprints, Sabin, or on OCLC or the online sites of AAS and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Item #42342
Price: $650.00