Likely printed by Philadelphia calico printer John Hewson, this kerchief was long believed to have been made at the personal request of Martha Washington in 1775. The reference to "America's Independency" indicates that the kerchief may have been printed shortly following the Declaration of Independence, while the absence of the official Stars and Stripes flag suggests a date before July, 1777. The kerchief has been described as an early attempt by George Washington at "image" management.

Beginning in the latter half of the eighteenth century, weavers in Manchester, England, produced a double-layered woven cotton meant to resemble fine hand quilting. It was erroneously assumed that this type of cloth came from the French port of Marseilles, hence the term "Marseilles quilting." American merchants used Marseilles quilting for petticoats and men's summer waistcoats as well as ready-made coverlets. Marseilles quilts remained popular well into the nineteenth century.

Beginning in the latter half of the eighteenth century, weavers in Manchester, England, produced a double-layered woven cotton meant to resemble fine hand quilting. It was erroneously assumed that this type of cloth came from the French port of Marseilles, hence the term "Marseilles quilting." American merchants used Marseilles quilting for petticoats and men's summer waistcoats as well as ready-made coverlets. Marseilles quilts remained popular well into the nineteenth century.

Admiral George Dewey (1837-1917), depicted on the kerchief, executed the capture of Manila in 1898, during the Spanish-American War. This victory made the U.S. the principle naval power in the east. He returned home to great parades and ovations in New York and elsewhere; this kerchief is a souvenir of one of those events.

This printed textile, intended for use as window curtains, bed hangings or upholstery, depicts the allegorical figure of America presenting Liberty with medallion portraits of thirteen heroes of American independence, including Benjamin Franklin. George Washington is shown crowned by the winged figure of Victory. The design of this textile is based upon the following prints: "General Washington" engraved by Valentine Green from the original painting by Trumball, published in London, 1781; medallion portraits from the drawings of Pierre Eugune du Simitiere and engraved by Benoit Louis Prevost, Burnett Reading, and B.B.E., and published by William Richardson, London 1783 and R. Wilkenson, London 1783; medallion portrait of Franklin from the engraving byHeath. The portrait of Adams cannot be traced.