Cross-posted to:
              EXLIBRIS, BIBSOCAN, C18-L, HTECH-L,
           MILHST-L, MUSEUM-L, EARAM-L, and IEACHNET
         My apologies if you receive multiple copies!
 
>From the terminal of: Brett Charbeneau
                      Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
 
     We have been seeking information on any existence of, or
period reference to, portable printing presses of the eighteenth
century.  While we are conscious of the so-called 'Clandestine'
press in the Musee de l'Imprimerie et de la Banque in Lyon, France
and we understand the Smithsonian recently acquired another French
table-top press, we are hoping to find something used or placed in
the American colonies.
     Philip Gaskell's 'A Census of Wooden Presses' (_Journal of the
Printing Historical Society_, vi, 1970) does not mention either of
these machines, nor can we find any primary references to their
use.  Our suspicion is that such a device would be ideal in
military situations as a field press and we have been referred to
a press supposedly being used by Washington during the War for
American Independence.  Unfortunately, we can find no reference to
such an occurrence.
     Can anyone out there shed a little light on this subject?  Any
and all references will be greatly appreciated.  I look forward to
hearing from any of you.  Until then, I shall remain,
 
     You most humble and obedient servant,
 
 
 
Brett Charbeneau                            P.O. Box 1776-MHW
Williamsburg Imprints Program               Williamsburg, VA 23187
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation            Tel: (804) 229-1000
INTERNET: [log in to unmask]                FAX: (804) 221-8948
       The earliest Christians get the freshest lions.