Philadelphia: William and Thomas Bradford, October 11, 1775; Numb. 1714. Folio. Single leaf folded to make 4 pp. Text in three columns. Illustrated with Benjamin Franklin's famous "Unite or Die" segmented snake masthead. Scattered minor spotting; small hole in upper fold of each leaf. One of the most famous and influential political cartoons ever published. A remarkably well preserved example of an early colonial newspaper, featuring Benjamin Franklin's famous segmented snake masthead. Franklin first used the snake cartoon in the May 9, 1754 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette as a commentary on colonial disunity during the French and Indian War, and as a call for action against French forces. By 1765 the phrase "Join or Die", that originally appeared with the snake, had in some states such as New York and Pennsylvania, been changed to "Unite or Die", while the snake's meaning had shifted to represent colonial unity in resisting laws and edicts imposed by the British government. This issue features numerous articles that articulate life in colonial America leading up to the outbreak of the War for Independence, including a lengthy article on the first page concerning the nature of Independence. Other articles relate to notable figures such as George Washington and his appointment of Generalissimo and his refusal of a salary. In addition troop and militia movements and raids throughout the colonies are mentioned, as well as the activities of British General Thomas Gage. Numerous ads throughout, including one for the publication of Edmund Burke's speech "On American Taxation". A fine example of a glimpse of Colonial life at the doorstep of Independence.