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Two accounts of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and two of Washington being named commander-in-chief... Thanks to Patrick Henry...



Item # 656585

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July 07, 1775

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 7, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
* Reference to the Gunpowder incident


This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title from colonial Virginia, as any experienced collector is aware.
Simply a terrific issue, containing reports on the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, Washington being named commander--in-chief of the Continental Army, and much more.
The notable reports are on page 2, one datelined "Norwich, June 19, 1775" which includes: "...has advice that our people attempting to take possession of Bunker's hill & Dorchester Point, they were attacked by the regulars...Five men of war hauled up at Charlestown, covered the landing of a body of men, who drove our people from Bunker's hill..." and more detail.
And then there is yet another--and even better--account of Bunker Hill which is very detailed, including in part: "...the provincials went to Bunker's Hill in order to entrench there...2000 regulars marched out of Boston...plundering it of all its valuable effects, set fire to it in ten different places...began to attack the provincials at long shot; the other part of their army marched round the town of Charlestown...The action continued about two hours when the regulars on the right wing were put into confusion and gave way; the Connecticut troops closely pursued them..." with much more detail (see the photos). Near the end is: "...The number of regulars which first attacked the provincials on Bunker's Hill was not less than 2000. The number of the provincials was only 1500, who it is supposed would soon have gained a complete victory...It is also said that Dr. Warren is undoubtedly among the slain...".
Page 2 also has the notable report: "The Honourable the General Congress have appointed GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. of VIRGINIA, generalissimo of the American forces."  Then also: "...the three battalions of this city...in the whole about 2000, marched out of the commons, and, having joined in brigade, were reviewed by General Washington, who is appointed commander in chief of all the North American forces by the Honourable Continental Congress...".
Also on page 2 has a report that: "...the Fowey man of war returned to her moorings from Yorktown with Lord Dunmore and Capt. Foy on board..." who had previously escaped to the protection of that ship during the Gunpowder Incident. 
Page 3 has a report: "The commission from the Congress to General Washington, we are informed, is addressed in these words: To our beloved brother George Washington, Esq; captain general and commander in chief of all the forces of the united colonies'. It is said General Lee is the third in command...The General set out on the 218th of last month from Philadelphia to take the command of the grand American army, near Boston. He is accompanied by General Lee..." with a bit more.
The front page is filled with content relating to the disputes between England and the American colonies, too much to detail her. One letter from London begins: "Your fate now depends on the brave & spirited conduct of yourselves, for you see the diabolical plot that is deep laid against you...".

This issue also has a single sheet "Supplement" of the same date. The front page begins with reports from the Committee of Cumberland County, Va., resolving, among other things, to endorse the "...proceedings of the late Provincial Convention held at Richmond..." this being the historic Second Virginia Convention at which Patrick Henry made his famous quote 'Give me liberty or give me death!'
Then a report from the Frederick County committee which offered thanks to Patrick Henry for resolving the Gunpowder Incident crisis, noting in part: "...late in our commendation of, and thanks to, Patrick Henry, for his patriotick & spirited behaviour in making reprisals for the powder so unconstitutionally...taken from the publick magazine...".
Beginning on the ftpg & taking much of the back page are additional committee reports with Resolves dealing with both the troubling relationship between England & the colonies, and also the troubles between the Virginia colonists and their Royal Governor, Dunmore, too much to detail here.

Simply a terrific issue on many accounts.
Complete with six pages including the Supplement issue, never-trimmed margins, large & handsome coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead, some light foxing, very nice condition.

Category: Revolutionary War