Historic Newspapers: British Officers - Rev War

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 27, 1781

• Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
• Revolutionary War ending
• Historic item - 1st report

This is one of the more noteworthy issues of the Chronicle for the entire Revolutionary War, as it is the first issue in this title to announce the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
Although the formal letter from Cornwallis announcing the surrender would appear in the next issue, that issue dated Nov. 29 was simply a

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1777

• General William Howe
• Charles Cornwallis
• American Independence ?

The issue begins with a continuation of the: "Debate in the House of Lords...relative to the American War" taking over 5 pages & with much on the Revolutionary War. One bit notes: "...That America never aimed at independence till she was compelled to it by our harsh conduct; and that she is at least unanimous in one thing, never to submit to unconditional claims of the British

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1778  An inside page has a graphic depiction of a: "Plan of the Encampment of a Battalion of Six Companies of Infantry" with related text. An article reports on Burgoyne and the charge against him of: "...employing savages...ever esteemed the Indian alliances, at best, a necessary evil..." with more.
Another page has "Gen. Washington's Letter to Gen. Burgoyne" signed in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by a report concerning military actions in the

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 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 "American Affairs". It is an "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton to...George Germain..." dated at New York, Nov. 13, 1781, which has: "In my last

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner inscribed "Appeal To Heaven" and surrounded by ornate embellishments.

The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with: "The Revolution of America, by the Abbe Raynal. Distressed State of England in 1768."

Page 3 has various reports

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 26, 1782

• Surrender of Lord Charles Cornwallis
• Revolutionary War - Yorktown, Virginia

The most historic content is on page 3 which begins with a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germain, dated October 19, 1781. It contains in part: "...sailed from Sandy Hook on the 16th instant and arrived off Cape Charles the 24th, when we had the mortification to hear that Lord Cornwallis had proposed terms of capitulation on the

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 themselves prisoners

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1781  Near the back is a section headed: "American News" which has a "Copy of a Letter from Brig. Gen. Arnold to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated Sound off Plumb Island, Sept. 8, 1781" which takes over an entire page & is signed by him in type: B. Arnold.
This is his detailed report on the taking of New London, Connecticut, known as the Battle of Groton Heights.
Also included is a letter from George Washington to Congress which prefaces

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777

• Battles of Saratoga
• General John Burgoyne surrenders
• Germantown and Brandywine

The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the headings covering

THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777

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

The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty. 
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe--found in its entirety on the front page--dated at Albany, Oct. 20, 1777. In his letter Burgoyne

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, December, 1778

• General John Burgoyne
• Revolutionary War - Saratoga

The first article, taking fully six pages, is debate on the: "...motion for the Instructions to Gen. Burgoyne..." , obviously relating to his defeat at Saratoga, with some reports including: "...convinced that the gallant Burgoyne had done all that man could do...Many of the Provincials whom Gen. Burgoyne thought well-affected betrayed him; some of the troops, though truly brave, did not, on every

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781

• General Henry Clinton
• Peace with Americans ?
• Revolutionary War

Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to all the inhabitants of these States who have been so hardy as to oppose a degradation from the rank of freemen to that of slaves..." and

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775

• Battle of Bunker Hill
• Revolutionary War
• Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead shows Britain and

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776

• Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church
• British General Thomas Gage
• American Revolutionary War
• Great year to have (1776)

See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed: "Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne" datelined: "camp on Prospect Hill, Dec. 1, 1775". The letter includes in part: "As I am just informed you are ready to embark for England...An opportunity is now

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 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.
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, to Mr. Stephens, dated on board his Majesty's ship Eagle in the River Delaware, Oct. 25, 1777" which has some great reading, portions of which can be seen in the

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 29, 1782

• Lord Charles Cornwallis
• Surrender at Yorktown
• Revolutionary War

The front page is mostly taken up with: "An Ordinance Ascertaining What Captures on Water Shall be Lawful". This lengthy text carries over to take close to half of page 2 & is signed in type by: John Hanson, President of Congress.
Page 3 has some optimistic hopes from London including: "Though the croakers of politics be busily employed in prophesying the

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 9, 1780

• General William Howe
• Revolutionary War from the enemy

Most of a page is taken up with a letter signed: "Americanus" which is critical in the efforts of General Howe during his leadership in war effort in America, headed: "To the Right Hon. Lord H--e" (brother of the general), which has near the beginning: "In the complaint your Lordship made in the House of Commons about the letters written upon your own & your Brother's conduct in America, you was

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, July, 1781  The "Historical Chronicle" begins with: "Plan for Putting an End to the American War & for Laying the Foundation of a Permanent Peace with the Thirteen Colonies". Another report has some good talk on military affairs in America including: "...Lord Cornwallis has entered Virginia; that a reinforcement has entered Chesapeak...on receiving intelligence of the arrival there of Gen. Cornwallis...two intercepted letters from Gen. Washington to la Fayette, the

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778

• American Revolutionary War

Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer terms of accommodation that would have satisfied all American demands except

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 14, 1781

• Movements of British troops in America
• Revolutionary War from the enemy

The back page has some news from America including : "...letters from Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton with an account of his Lordship having effected a junction with the troops under the command of Brigadier General Arnold, in consequence of which a great number of the inhabitants had come in & delivered up their arms...Lord Cornwallis further ads that finding himself in

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781

• Battle of Green Spring
• James County, Virginia
• American Revolutionary War

The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reducing Washington's present force & preventing its being recruited by new levies..." and: "...I flatter myself the southern provinces will be

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1781

• Revolutionary War events for 1780
• Ethan Allen

Under "Diary of Memorable Occurrences in the year 1780..." is a lengthy list of item & includes: "The American out posts at Newark & Elizabeth-town were surprized & the men made prisoners...American post of John's House on the White Plains was attacked when 40 men were killed & 97 taken. Another American post was surprized in the Jerseys & 65 men taken...Sir Henry Clinton issued a Proclamation in America,

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 23, 1780  Page 2 includes a report that: "...certainly various accounts in tow from very respectable quarters, all of which confirm Sir Henry Clinton's taking Charlestown [Charleston] by storm on the 7th of April after a great slaughter on both sides..." (see).
Fully 1 1/3 pages are taken up with "Letter V to the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Howe" which is quite critical of actions in America during the Revolutionary War. Some bits include: "...But Brooklyn Ferry

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779

• Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
• Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4, 1778.
It

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 6, 1781

• Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
• American Revolutionary War ending

Certainly the most notable content is an early report of the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
The page 2 report notes in part: "The General is happy in congratulating this army on the following authentic & interesting intelligence, received from the southward. That on the 15th instant two of the enemy's redoubts at York-Town were stormed...and carried with

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1781

• Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
• American Revolutionary War ending

A terrific issue as not only does it contain a fine account of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, but it consumes the entire front page, carries over to take most of page 2, with additional information on page 3 as well.
The front page begins with a letter from Col. Tilghman, Aid de Camp to General Washington, datelined: "Head Quarters, near York,

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779

• American Revolutionary War
• Gen. John Burgoyne failures
• re. Battles of Saratoga surrender

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates, a major turning point in the

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 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,

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1783

• Closing events of the Revolutionary War

Eighteen pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the 3rd Session of the Present Parliament" which include  discussion on concluding events with the war in America, including: "...With respect to America, parliament had left little for ministers to do in negociating a peace with that country..." and further on is more detailed discussion of the provisional treaty of peace for ending the Revolutionary

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782

• American Revolutionary War

The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris. 
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, as reported in the London Gazette. The first paragraph notes: "...have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 8th

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, December 20, 1781

• Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
• American Revolutionary War ending

This issue contains one of the most historically significant letters from the Revolutionary War, being Cornwallis' official announcement of his surrender to Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
The report begins on the front page no less, prefaced with: "I am directed to send you the enclosed letter from Lieutenant General Earl Cornwallis, to his Excellency the commander in

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 on

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1777

• Revolutionary War Tory original
• Rare Pro British issue from America
• General William Howe proclamations

This was a strongly Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British were in occupation. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
The first column on the front page features two

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Sept., 1777

• Siege of Fort Ticonderoga
• General George Washington
• American Revolutionary War

Over 2 1/2 pages are taken up with: "Letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Sir William Howe" from Middlebrook, June 10, 1777, signed by him in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by another letter from Washington to Howe, which begins: "The fortune of war having thrown Major-General Prescot in our hands, I beg leave to propose his exchange for Major-General Lee..."

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 26, 1782

• Reaction to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown
• American Revolutionary War ending

Page 2 has some nice reporting on the military events further to the west, from a letter from Kentucky dated Dec. 6. It reports on the work of General Clarke near Fort Pitt, Colonel Loughrie, and some events near Detroit. An item mentions: "...that the enemy had evacuated John's Island about six miles from Charlestown & still maintained their

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, June, 1777  Nearly five pages are taken up with: "Debate in the House of Lords...Relative to the American War" which obviously has much concerning the Revolution, including reference to America declaring itself independent.
Another page has a "Proclamation" signed in type by William Howe, from New York, on "...Restoring peace to the colonies..."  which is good reading. Near the back is a great & detailed: "Extract of a letter from Howe to Germaine" 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 EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 23, 1780  Page 2 has: "...from the force carried out with Sir Henry Clinton to South Carolina, there is room to entertain the most favourable hopes of the success of his enterprise. With Sir Henry Clinton, from New York, went 7500 men..." with more (see photos). Elsewhere is: "...a letter from an Officer on board the brig Hawke off Staten Island" which includes: "...the alarm was given that the rebels were on Staten Island...express was sent on board

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 12, 1775

• Battle of Bunker - Breed's Hill
• Charleston, Boston, Massachusetts
• General Thomas Gage account

Certainly a terrific issue as page 3 begins with a letter, signed in type by: Tho. Gage, in which he gives his account of the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, dated June 25 just 8 days after the battle.
In this letter Gage offers much detail, beginning: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on the 17th instant

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782

• Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
• General George Washington angry reaction
• American Revolutionary War

Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling situation in America and how to resolve it. Consensus shows a strong interest in ending the military involvement in America.
Page 2 has

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 17, 1775

• American Revolutionary War
• Extremely rare publication
• James Rivington - spy publisher

James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance which shifted as a revolution loomed and public opinion polarized, until by late 1774 he was advocating the restrictive measures

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778

• Rare Revolutionary War New York map
• Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen

Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with considerable detail.
This map measures 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. A small bit was cut from lower left margin so it could be folded into the

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 his back to

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 23, 1776

• Pre Declaration of Independence signing
• American Revolutionary War original
• Great year to have (776) - very rare

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with reports of ships trading in the Caribbean & related news. Also on the front page is: "The French appear exceedingly friendly to the American cause which they would have promoted by a much larger supply of arms & ammunition than they have hitherto imported had they

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778

• British last attempt - peace with America

The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners to America with a peace offer, renouncing the right of taxing Americans. But Congress rejected this offer since, with the new French

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