Historic Newspapers: Revolutionary War

THE LONDON EVENING POST, May 22, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy 

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day. Lightly inked red tax stamp on page 3.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue except for a front page list of "American Prisoners" (see images)
A very nice issue from…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 5, 1779  Page 2 of this rare Revolutionary War-era issue features an important official communication from the Continental Congress, prefaced by an explanatory note signed in type by its President, John Jay, formally disavowing an unauthorized diplomatic publication that had surfaced in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper. 

Sharing the page is a notable report extracted from the Boston Gazette concerning the movement of prisoners of war, stating that

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking. Generations yet unborn may owe

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 

Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid storming & thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides...These circumstances we

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1775  This is a wonderful issue with a wealth of news reports on the historic Battle of Bunker Hill.
All related reports--and there are many--are shown in the photos, however a few bits extracted from them include: "...The prevailing opinion is, that Boston is destroyed before this time. Whether the general chuse to march out or not, the Americans will decide their fate...The other provinces will all join the Massachusetts in good earnest. The army…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 16, 1776  

* Hanging of Nathan Hale - American Revolutionary War 
* "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" fame

The back page has a letter from a man on board a ship at New York dated Sept. 25, 1776. It begins; "Our army has met with great success; we just arrived from Halifax when they made their landing on Long Island & saw the battles fought between our troops and the rebels..." with more detail (see). But it is a later sentence in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 31, 1776 and January 2, 1777  

* Battle of Long Island - New York City 
* American Revolutionary War - 2 issue set
* Continental Army - George Washington loss 

These two issues contain an excellent report on the battle for New York and the eventual evacuation of the city by George Washington.
Beginning in the Dec. 31 issue and taking over 2 complete pages is the beginning of the report which continues on the front page of the January 2, 1777 issue along with…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under the "Historical Chronicle". It begins with an editorial comment: "Gen. Washington's letter to the President of Congress on the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis is truly…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 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.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

THE LONDON EVENING POST, Feb. 20, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue.
A very nice issue from the middle of the Revolutionary War. Complete with 4 pages, minor margin wear, a few…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777

* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders

Certainly the most  significant content is the page 2 report on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a very much-needed victory for the American cause. Some of the reporting includes: "...arrived in town express...we are sorry to say that Government have received the melancholy accounts that General Burgoyne and his army have been obliged to surrender…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776 

 * News of the Declaration of Independence spreads
* Battle of Sullivan's Island - General Charles Lee 
* American Revolutionary War - great year to have 

 A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War

The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

Lexington & Concord content...

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775 

* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution

A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type by its President: John Hancock.
The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 15, 1783  Page 4 includes discussion in the "House of Commons" concerning the "Provincial Corps" which also talks of events from the Revolutionary Wary. A few bits: "...Col. Duncan's corps had signalized itself greatly at the second battle of Camden under Lord Rawdon. Col. Fanning's regiment had...performed the most distinguished service...It was well known with what gallantry & zeal this regiment behaved at Rhode Island when it was attacked by the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 27, 1777 A page 2 item notes: "...the cruisers from this island (Antigua) have been very successful against the Americans & almost knocked up their trade by the many captures they have taken."
An inside page has some reports from America, and another page includes: "...a provincial Captain named Martinhad, near Morristown, been shot by a scouting party of the Rebels who mistook him for an English officer." The back page has reporting from the House of…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 1775  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.
This issue was printed 9 days after the battle of Lexington and Concord, however, the news of that historic beginning of the Revolutionary War had yet to reach Williamsburg.
Half of the front page is a report from London which has…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778  The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the  second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause against the British and eventually lead to victory within 3 years.
At its conclusion if it signed in type by the American…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 16, 1781  Page 2 has some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: Letters from Charlestown [Charleston] say that the great activity of Lord Rawdon...is likely to surmount the difficulties they have had to encounter...purpose to overtake them & to scour the country which bids fair to put an end to that petty warfare...reasons at large for refusing the permit Congress money to pass in his lines, denying the demands of Congress & Washington for men,…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  

* No compromise w/ England
* American Revolutionary War 

Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1776  

* Capture of New York City
* Rare Connecticut & Rhode Island map
* American Revolutionary War 

This issue begins with "Proceedings in the House  of Commons..." which includes discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...Nothing could have afforded me so much satisfaction as to have been able to inform you...that the troubles which have so long distracted my colonies in North America were at an end; and that my unhappy people, recovered from…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 12, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy 

Page 2 has a post-surrender report noting: "...from ...Earl Cornwallis, make mention that it is not his intention to return to this country until he has effected the entire exchange of the unfortunate veterans who shared captivity with him at York Town....". 
Most of another page is taken up with a "Chronological Table of Facts in the Order of Time for the Year 1781" which has many events…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) 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.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (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.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules for establishing a Society for Relieving the Distresses of Prisoners...". Page 2 has reports from…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 1776  

* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL: of the NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIENCER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Guilford Court House

 Page 3 has a report from New York on the celebration of the British victory at Guilford Court House, North Carolina: "Last Saturday...a feu de joie was fired here, by all the troops in garrison, in consequence of the victory obtained by the British troops over the rebel army at Guilford court house...the 15th of March last...".
Also a letter from…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 19, 1778  

* American Revolutionary War

Page 2 has over half a column concerning the historic duel between Generals Robert Howe and Gadsden, bot notable figures in the Revolutionary War.
The duel stemmed from a dispute over command of Continental troops in South Carolina. Gadsden, a local hero, had taken command during Howe's absence, and when Howe returned, Gadsden questioned the terms of his recall and argued for retaining command. The…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778  The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report begins: "That this house will now resolve into a committee of the whole house to consider of the state & condition of the army which surrendered themselves on convention at Saratoga, in America; and also by what means that army…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779  A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years, from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue has much fine war content.
Page 3 has: "...a letter from his Excellency General Washington, to the Hon. Major-General Gates..." which mentions in part: "Gen. Sullivan arrived...at Tioga without loss or opposition. On the 13th he destroyed Chemung [Pa.] with all its plantations...The…

NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE AND GNERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Aug. 3, 1782  This is one of the less common title of the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a report from London noting: "...the new Administration are not without very sanguine expectations of being able to effect a general pacification on termw pertly honorable to this country...two gentleman, Messrs. Oswald & Whiteford, both formerly resident in America & gentlemen of the most respectable characters, were dispatched to Paris to confer…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 27, 1781  A wonderfully historic issue and nicely presented, as the details of Cornwallis surrendering to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The entire middle column of the front page is Washington's historic letter, dated at "Head-Quarters, near York, 19th October. 1781" and beginning: "Sir, I have the honor to inform Congress, that a reduction of the British army, under the command of Lord…

THE CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 

* Very rare publication
* British pro-American 

 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King…

EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 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.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report from the "House of Lords" concerning the American Revolutionary War, bits including: "...he would  sell his shirt off…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777  Half of page 2 is taken up with reports concerning the Revolutionary War, a few of the reports noting: "...has been reported that they contain private advices that Philadelphia was in possession of the King's troops. A report...that the provincial Congress at Boston has made proposals to the King's commissioners of returning to their allegiance, which have been accepted....The Congress have lost their authority; they ordered all the militia…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 11, 1777  Nearly half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Revolutionary War, a few bits of which include: "...that Gen. Howe had landed the 16th at Baltimore & proceeded to...40 miles from Philadelphia where General Washington's army was encamped...that General Clinton was setting out on an expedition supposed for North River...the rebel general Sullivan had landed on Staten Island & retreated next morning with the loss of 900 men...another…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 6, 1780  

* American Revolutionary War
* French troops & Quebec

The back page has a report which notes: "We are informed that there are accounts received in town within these few days from America which signify that Congress are in speedy expectation of a large body of French troops which are to co-operate with their army in attempting the conquest of Quebec this summer."
Other news of the day, mostly European, and some ads as well. Eight pages, 9 by 12 inches,…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, June, 1783  Certainly one of the less common magazines of the 18th century, formatted very much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine' of the day.
Inside includes: "Account of the Large Rebel Frigate, named the South Carolina, from the Laying of Her Keel Until her Capture" which takes a full page. Also: "Emigrations From New York" which is a letter from "Agents for the Loyalists who removed last fall to Nova Scotia, and for such others as may incline to…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, May, 1783  Certainly one of the less common magazines of the 18th century, formatted very much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine' of the day.
Inside includes: "The Fate Of the Loyalists" "Sir G. Carleton and Adm. Digby Letters to Secretary Livingston" "Letters From America on the Terms of Peace" "Indian War in America" "Rebel Financier Resigns" being Robert Morris; "Loyalists Settle in Nova Scotia - State of Loyalists" plus a letter concerning: "...the…

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE OR UNIVERSAL REPOSITORY, London, Supplement for 1781  Like most British magazines of the era, this title printed "Supplement" issue at the end of each year. It includes several pages on: "Sir James Lowther's Motions Against Continuing the American War", now that the news of Cornwallis' surrender has been digested.
Two full page plates are present.
Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page great, nice condition.