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 alliance, independence had become an attainable goal. Clinton subsequently offered amnesty to Americans and argued that only France would benefit from continued warfare.
This Proclamation, dated October 3, 1778, was England's last formal attempt at reconciliation, offering the colonists all they had originally wanted.
An extremely notable document as such and wonderful to have on the front page. We believe this is the first time in our 48 years we have offered this notable document in an American newspaper, having offered it several times as printed in British periodicals.
Both pages 2 and 3 have additional items concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from General Washington dated at Fishkill, New York, and an interesting document from Congress: "...for suppressing of theatrical entertainments, horse-racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are productive to idleness, dissipation and a general depravity of principles and manners...".
Four pages never bound nor trimmed, with original deckle margins, very nice condition.