Historic Newspapers: American Officers - Rev War

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1785  Among the articles are: "Curious Caves on the Elephanta Island" near India; "Epitaph Proposed by Dr. Fordyce for Samuel Johnson" and so much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news reports of the day, which includes a report: "This day John Adams, minister plenipotentiary from the United States of America, had a private audience of his majesty, to deliver his credentials. This day Col. Smith (late aid-de-camp to Gen.…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785  Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.
Near the back is: "Intelligence..." with news from various corners of the globe including: "Advices from America" which reports a loan from the Netherlands to the United States, and mentions that:…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785  Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.
Near the back is: "Intelligence..." with news from various corners of the globe including; "Advices from America" which reports a loan from the Netherlands to the United States, and mention that:…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 19, 1785  The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from New York" which reports on the troubles with the Indians along the Ohio River. One big men lions: "...General Washington, who has now reduced himself to the rank of a private citizen, has offered to go to Nantucket... in the spring to endeavour to settle affairs, to hold a talk with the Chiefs of those nations..." with more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, 9 by 12 inches, full red tax stamp on…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1784  The issue begins with a description of a medal created in honor of the late Capt. Cook and which is accompanied by a plate of it (see). The front page also has an article: "Canoe of the Sandwich Islands Described (which is Hawaii), which is also accompanied by a geat foldout plate, more typically lacking.
Another article of interest is: "Memoirs of Major-General Greene, in the American Service, late Commander in Chief in South Carolina" which…

THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784

* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey

 Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783." It takes portions of both pages 2 and 3.
It reads in part: "...A contemplation of the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783  

* American victory in the Revolutionary War
* George Washington and Nathanael Greene

This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Nathaniel Greene by the people of Newport, R.I., for his heroic effort during the war, followed by his response…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, October 7, 1783

* Newburgh Conspiracy plan
* General George Washington
* Revolutionary War ending events

 Both the front page and page 2 have nice, lengthy letters concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy of that time.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 2, 1783  Page 3 has a report that the United States has further defined the powers of Congress to negotiating with countries, and: "...for making peace and war, for recommending the quotas of taxes, appointing foreign ministers..." and more. Also that General Carleton has advertised in the New York Gazette for flour to be: "...delivered at Long Island, & after the evacuation of that place, to the refugees at Nova Scotia...to reward their loyalty with every…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 2, 1783  Page 3 has a report that the United States has further defined the powers of Congress to negotiating with countries, and: "...for making peace and war, for recommending the quotas of taxes, appointing foreign ministers..." and more. Also that General Carleton has advertised in the New York Gazette for flour to be: "...delivered at Long Island, & after the evacuation of that place, to the refugees at Nova Scotia...to reward their loyalty with every…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, August, 1783  

* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending 

ing the Revolutionary War. It contains a wealth of reports concerning the concluding events of the war.
Pages 1 and 2 have: "Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the American States". Another page has a lengthy list of the: "American Ships Taken" during the war. Another page has: "An Act for Forfeiture & ale of the Estates of Persons who…

THE MASSACHUETTS GAZETTE or the GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, July 29, 1783  

* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending 

The entire front page, all of page 2, and a portion of page 3 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 9, 1783 

* General George Washington letter
* Announcing the end of hostilities
* American Revolutionary War ending

Certainly the most significant content takes almost an entire column of page 3, which has George Washington's letter announcing a cessation of hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
It is prefaced with a note stating: "The following is a copy of the Orders issued by General Washington to his troops on the arrival of the…

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, May 12, 1783  

* "Great Expulsion" of American Loyalists
* The Fall of Count de Grasse - The Saintes 
* American Revolutionary War "Cleanup Phase"

A nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which shows "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose.
Over half of the front page has an item from London: "Anecdotes of the Count De Grasse" which begins: "The capture…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, April 19, 1783  

* John Dickinson of Pennsylvania
* Proclamation of the Cessation of Arms 
* End of hostilities of Revolutionary War

Over half of the front page is taken up with various dispatches concerning: "The Proceedings of the Federal Army near New Windsor, to Obtain the Redress of their Grievances".
This was called the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the…

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 INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782  

* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?

Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright period, JOHN DICKINSON, and other American gentlemen, and the speeches & publications of some patriots at home...They…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 15, 1782  

* Possible peace treaty ?
* American Independence ?

The entire front page and one-third of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy letter concerning the situation with America and the terms for a peace treaty, with much thought on independence.
 The opening statement sets the tone for this notable report: "Nothing can equal the surprise...a letter signed Guy Carleton, R. Digby dated New York...addressed to Gen. Washington. It declares, that his…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 3, 1782  

* Revolutionary War ending events
* Americans again have independence ?

Page 2 has a letter from New York noting: "Every thing here seems to be at a stand. The army being in a state of inactivity & the inhabitants & loyalists of New York disappointed & dejected at the offers of Independence held out to the Americans..." and also: "...That Gen. Carleton as acquainted the Congress that the British forces will not evacuate America until they…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 26, 1782  

* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy

Page 2 has news headed "America" mentions: "...lately sent to wheedle the Eastern provinces into a submission to the intolerable extractions of the Congress for the further support of their tyranny, are returned empty handed." Also a letter from New York: "People here in general talk much of peace...I fear it will be patched up, greatly in favor of the Rebels & against Britain,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1782 

* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy

Page 4 has an interesting report which explains how the British soldiers  fighting in America are paid.
Page 5 has news headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Annapolis mentioning in part: "...in an excursion he made to Amelia twp. last week fell in with a part of Rebel Militia on their march from the Congress to Gen. Greene's camp whom he instantly charged, killing four…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1782 

* re. Battle of the Assunpink Creek - Trenton
* re. George Washington crossing the Delaware 

Page 2 has a report beginning: "So determined are the French to pursue their favorite plan of annihilating the British power in North America, & particularly to the capturing the British army in New York...to co-operate with General Washington towards the reduction of that important garrison...".
All of pg. 4 & a bit of page 5 are taken up with…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 20, 1782  

* American independence ?
* Revolutionary War Era
* In a patriot publication 

The front page begins with a letter from the King of France to Count de Rochambeau concerning hopes for peace and events at the close of the Revolutionary War. Also a front page item: "Seasonable Thoughts" noting in part: "The conduct of the British Parliament in offering peace to America upon the terms of reconciliation, wants a name...is truly ridiculous to…

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…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 9, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War
* America sympathizers jailed
* Independence ?

Page 2 includes: "The enemy in New York are busy in prosecuting their canal...They are also erecting a line of works on Long Island...His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON and his Lady arrived last Monday at Head Quarters, New-Burg, in good health."
Page 3 has a report of a London printer going to jail for his criticism of the war in…

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…

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…

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782

* Rare publication during Revolutionary War

 This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for the American reinforcement for the campaign of 1782 are not yet finally determined on; but it is agreed on all hands…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War closing events
* George Washington & Thomas Jefferson

The inside pages have various reports concerning the Revolutionary War, including: "...nothing but the utter destruction of the Carolinas was talked of by the ministry & their creatures; but since the French have blocked up the Chesapeake & landed 8000 troops, they can condescend to think it very well if Lord Cornwallis should be…

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…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782  

* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War

Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.
The front page has an item including: "...from Paris...that the King has signified to his Excellency…

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…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Post Surrender of Cornwallis
* Loyalist James Rivington

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…

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 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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging

Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which  Col. Isaac Hayne, two days before his execution, delivered to a friend with an injunction...".
Col. Isaac Hayne was one of the most prominent…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 28, 1781

* Siege of Nintey Six - South Carolina
* General Nathanael Greene defeat
* American Revolutionary War

 Half of page 2 is taken up with a letter from Major General Greene in which he officers much on the Siege of Ninety-Six.
Additional reports carry over to page 3 with much more detail on the military events in South Carolina. One item begins: "...a party of horse, headed by Sad  Hampton, came down unexpectedly…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 21, 1781  Much of the front page is taken up with naval reports from the Caribbean. Page 4 has a nice document from Charleston signed in type by both: Rawdon and N. Balfour, in which they note: "...attention to the general security of the province has obliged his Majesty's troops...to relinquish some of the upper parts of it...unnecessary for us to exhort the loyal inhabitants of those districts to stand firm in their duty & principles...that many persons…

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 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…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, July 17, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Ship prisoners exchanged
* Southern colonies evacuation (British)

The front page has several letters from British Lt. Col. Balfour, most dealing with discussion for an exchange of prisoners with General Greene.
This discussion carries over to page 2 where is found a letter datelined: "Torbay prison ship, Charlestown harbour, May 19, 1781" concerning men on the prison ship. Then yet…

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…