Home > Back to Search Results > A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War... Reflective letters from George Washington...
Click image to enlarge 617898
Show image list »

A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War... Reflective letters from George Washington...



Item # 617898

Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.



March 21, 1778

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 21, 1778  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 a: "Continuation of Mr. Washington's Letters" the first dated June 18, 1776 and is to John Parke Custis who was George Washington's stepson. This is in interesting personal letter, portions of which include: "...as your father there is not a profession you could have chosen in which I should not more cordially have concurred with you. Yet I love arms; I am married to my sword as well as your most amiable mother; and herein is my witness, that I am in earnest when I say, death alone shall divorce me from either..." and near the end: "...Remember me affectionately to Nelly & tell her that though I should be most happy to see her I may not hope for that happiness speedily as the din of arms...would be but unpleasing entertainment to her, and I have little prospect of any leisure, at least before we go into winter quarters..." and the letter is signed in type: George Washington. This is followed immediately by a letter: "To Mr. Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon...July the 8th, 1776" which begins: "We are still going on with all imaginable briskness & success with our works, which I think are already impregnable. It would really astonish you to see the progress we have made..." which continues at great length on the bkpg. where it is signed: G.W.  Lund Washington was a distant cousin to George and served as his business manager at Mount Vernon during the war. This is followed by yet another letter: "To :Mr. Lund Washington" dated from New York, July 16, 1776, which contains some great insight on this military commander during this bleak time in the Revolutionary War. This letter is signed: G. W.  A pg. 3 report from New York begins: "We hear the Congress has offered to furnish Mr. Washington with a large army by drafts from the different provinces for the year 1778...". A few other war-related tidbits as well.
Four pages, light damp stain to a lower corner, numeric notations in margins next to ads (this was the editor's copy), generally nice condition. Not surprisingly, being a Tory newspaper the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
Great to have an issue with close to half of it given to letters from George Washington, and with his signature in type on the front page.

Category: Revolutionary War