Search Results: the love of truth mark the

[Germantown, PA: Germantown Print Works, ca. 1806]. First Edition. Original kerchief printed in black on cream glazed cotton, unstitched borders; ink has blurred a bit (possibly at time of production based on other copies we've seen), top edge very slightly frayed, else Near Fine. Quite an impressive and dark impression of this poetry broadside / kerchief celebrating the legend of young George Washington and the cherry tree, the image and accompanying poem depicting the tree as still standing, having only been accidentally but fatally wounded by the careless George as he was chopping off the heads of flowers in the family garden. When confronted with the deed, the culprit cries "Papa, I cannot, will not tell a lie! / My sharp bright hatchet gave the naughty stroke." THREADS OF HISTORY 39, noting variants also printed in brown and blue.

[Germantown, PA: Germantown Print Works, 1806. Commemorative cotton handkerchief, laid down on a board. 12-1/4" x 11-1/8." Printed in blue inks. "The Love Of Truth" is printed above "Mark The Boy," which is printed on a ribbon that flows across a vignette and down both sides. The vignette depicts a young George Washington and his father in the garden of their home. George carries his hatchet; his father points to the cherry tree. Below the vignette a three-column poem recounts George's famous admission that he had cut down the cherry tree. "I cannot, will not tell a lie." The poem begins, "At six years old, George, full of boyish tricks,/ Would often please himself by chopping sticks." His father, overwhelmed by George's strength of character, says, "Run to my open arms, my dearest boy; / Your love of truth bespeaks a father's joy:/ My sudden anger and my grief are fled,/ Although my lovely cherry-tree is dead" A dark border surrounds the handkerchief. Some lightening at the bottom and light wear,… Read More