Washington offers pardon to deserters... More war content...
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR THE NORTH-AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1782 The top of page 3 features a: "PROCLAMATION", signed in type by: George Washington. It mentions in part: "Whereas there is good reason to believe that there are many deserters from the Continental army...finding themselves deluded by false promises, would willingly return to their colours...Therefore, from motives of humanity...I have thought fit to issue this my proclamation offering free pardon to all deserters...who shall deliver themselves up to any Continental Officer on or before the first day of June next..." with a bit more.
Much of the front page is taken up with some editorial commentary, one bit noting: "...Alas, said I, what will the independency of America be to him ten years hence! the blossoms of fourscore are within upon his head; he belongs to the last century..." and more.
A page 2 letter makes reference to the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which essentially ended the Revolutionary War. Then a speech by the King of England noting in part: "...No endeavors have been wanting on my part to extinguish that spirit of rebellion which our enemies have found means to foment, and maintain in the colonies, & to restore to my deluded subjects in America that happy & prosperous condition which they formerly desired from a due obedience to the law..." with more.
Page 3 has more war-related content including a bit noting: "... from New York that many of our unfortunate prisoners on board the prison ships in the East River have perished during the late extreme cold weather...".
Four pages, a small posting hole at the upper right does not affect mentioned reports, nice condition.