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On proposing peace with the Americans... Franklin's son on independence...



Item # 617639

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November 25, 1775

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 25, 1775 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America


Page 2 has: "...Lord North's motion for a reconciliation with the Americans..." dated Feb. 20, 1775, which is followed by his explanation of it, in all taking most of a column. It includes: "The Tea-act also will be repealed if asked for."
Page 3 has a lengthy letter signed by William Franklin, governor of New Jersey (and son of Ben Franklin. He was a Tory, much to the displeasure of his father). The letter covers many issues relating to the war & troubles between the colonies & England and also touches on independence: "...for as sentiments of independency are, by some men of present consequence, openly avowed, and essays are already appearing in the public papers to ridicule  the people's fears of that horrid measures, & remove their aversion to republican government, it is high time that every man should know what  he has to expect...you will do your country an essential service by declaring it in so full & explicit terms as may discourage the attempt..." (see).
This is followed by a lengthy letter: "...from an officer in one of the Rifle companies...dated Prospect Hill, Nov. 11, 1775" which has some fine detail of a military encounter and closing with: "...we are this moment ordered to march to Chelsea as there are a number of boats on the back of Bunkers Hill  in the Mystick & it is apprehended they intend to land there. I imagine we shall have it hot soon; there are, it is said, 2000 troops arrived at Boston." (see). Also mention that the wives of Generals Washington & gates has arrived in Boston.
Over one-third of the back page is taken up with a letter which begins: "With respect to taxation...that Parliament has no right to lay internal taxes on them, because they have no representatives in Parliament; but that it had a right to impose port duties or internal taxes..." with much more.
Four pages, nice Royal coat-of-arms in the masthead, some numeric notations in margins next to ads (this was the editor's copy), very nice, clean condition.

Category: Revolutionary War