THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY Etc., Worcester, Nov. 6, 1776  This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era.
It is worth noting that the famed printer Isaiah Thomas was the publisher, having begun this newspaper in 1770. An ardent patriotic, as the previous extended title to his newspaper would suggest: "...Or American Oracle of Liberty", Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began his newspaper in Boston but upon British occupation of the city in 1775, rather than cease publication he moved his press further west and continued printing in Worcester. This issue is one.
This issue is perhaps more desirable for what it lacks than what it contains. This is perhaps unique in that it is of smaller size than others of the period, and is lacking the famous masthead engraving done by Paul Revere, very likely due to the lack of paper. The bottom margin of page 3 notes: "The printers have failed of obtaining Proper paper--as they expected---were obliged to emit several pieces, advertisements, etc. etc., etc." Lack of proper paper also caused this size to be smaller.
The issues before and after this date did contain the Revere masthead, so it is possible this is the only issue lacking it due to the exigencies of war.
There are war reports taking most of page 3, and page 4 has a lengthy letter signed by: Guy Carleton concerning his situation at Montreal. Dated June 20, 1776, Carleton, the British commander in Canada, had just learned that the American Army under General Sullivan was retreating towards Montreal after their defeat at the Battle of Trois-Rivières. Carleton's forces were pursuing the retreating Americans. (inking to this back page letter is light in spots: see).
Complete in four pages, never-trimmed margins, 8 1/4 by 13 1/4 inches, in great condition.