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Battles near Boston result in Howe's request to leave the city... Ethan Allen being returned to America...
Battles near Boston result in Howe's request to leave the city... Ethan Allen being returned to America...
Item # 617659
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March 16, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 16, 1776 This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a very lengthy work: "To the People of Pennsylvania, Letter II" signed in type: Cato. The theme is expressed in the 2nd paragraph: "...account which we have already received of Commissioners being appointed in England, & ready to embark for America, in order to negociate a settlement of the present unhappy differences, has engaged the attention...of many among us..." with the letter carrying over to page 2, ending with: "...I doubt not to make it appear that independence is not the cause in which American is now engaged, and is only the idol of those who wish to subvert all order among us, and rise on the ruins of their Country!" Cato was the famous 1776 critic of Thomas Paine's pamphlet titled Common Sense, and who wrote this series of essays arguing against American independence. Following this Cato letter is a response to Cato's first letter of the week prior.
Page 2 has a report from Cambridge beginning: "The Continental army, assisted by a large body of Militia, are now carrying on the siege of Boston with great vigor. Last Saturday night our artillery at the fortresses of Cobble Hill and Lechmore's Point...bombarded & cannonaded the town..." with more on this battle (see). Also a report from New York with various war-related news including: "...the brave Col. Allen, with about 30 others who was unfortunately taken prisoner by Gen. Carleton, were confined in Pendennis Castle but were ordered on board to work their passage & do duty on board the fleet that sailed...with seven regiments from Corke for Virginia under the command of General Cornwallis." (see) There is also additional reporting on the fighting near Boston, which was shortly before the British evacuated the city, including a very historic report of Gen. Howe requesting permission to leave: "...General Howe in his great tenderness to preserve the town of Boston from destruction, has, by a flag of truce sent out by the select men, asked permission to embark his troops & sail without molestation. This permission it is possible he may obtain, on condition that he leave his whole artillery and military stores behind him. It is supposed that General Howe intends to remove his quarters to the city of New York and it is hoped that every proper measure will be taken for his reception."
Four pages, Royal coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead, light damp stain at the bottom, a few minor ink stains, numeric notations in margins next to ads (this was the editor's copy), nice condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
No Longer Available
