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A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...



Item # 617878

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February 21, 1778

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, February 21, 1778 

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


This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with ads. Page 2 has a nice letter datelined "Williamsburgh, Dec. 19" which includes: "I arrived last night from Potowmack where I have been stationed ten days. We have hitherto prevented the enemy getting fresh provisions from our store but many Negroes have gone off to them...I was charged with a flag from Col. Skinner to endeavour a recovery of those Negroes..." with more (see).
This is followed by a nice letter written from "Camp Kingsbridge, Dec. 18, 1777" which concludes with: "...Yet under every contingency solemnly declaring that we shall ever remain unshaken in our loyalty to the best of Kings, and unalterably attached to the British government, fully convinced...that his Majesty's American subjects in is colonies were, while they retained their allegiance to their lawful Sovereign, the King of Great Britain, the happiest & freest people the sun ever shined on & that the present is the most wanton and causeless Rebellion the world ever knew."
Page 2 also has a nice account of a military encounter, including: "...took a guard of continental troops on their post there...without firing a gun, which must have alarmed the other post, they took prisoners the whole guard. Immediately after they proceeded to Newtown, surprised & took the first sentry without alarm..." with much more, including a list of the prisoners taken (see).
Over a full column is taken up with a "Proclamation" of Sir William Howe, General and Commander in Chief, and yet another "Proclamation" by Howe, carrying over to pg. 3 where it is signed by him in type: W. Howe.
Page 3 also has a great little item headed: "By Order of His Excellency the Commander in Chief" which reads: "All deserters from the rebel army, who are in this city or its environs, who wish to go to Europe, are to give in their names and places of abode, immediately to the Town Major in order that a passage, free from Expense, may be provided for them."
Page 3 also has a poem titled: "America". The bkpg. is filled with ads, one of which is for: "COMMON SENSE" with the text noting: "...Tracing the several causes of the present contests between the Mother Country & her American subjects, the fallacy of their prepossessions;  the ingratitude and danger of them..." with more (see).
Four pages, numeric notations in margins next to ads (this was the editor's copy), very nice condition.
Not surprisingly, being a Tory newspaper the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.

Category: Revolutionary War