Historic Newspapers: Revolutionary War - British Newspapers

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

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 31, 1776 and January 2, 1777  

* Battle of Long Island - New York City 
* American Revolutionary War - 2 issue set
* Continental Army - George Washington loss 

These two issues contain an excellent report on the battle for New York and the eventual evacuation of the city by George Washington.
Beginning in the Dec. 31 issue and taking over 2 complete pages is the beginning of the report which continues on the front page of the January 2, 1777 issue along with…

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…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  

* American Independence
* John Hancock (July, 1776)
* Great month & Year to have

Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 27, 1777 A page 2 item notes: "...the cruisers from this island (Antigua) have been very successful against the Americans & almost knocked up their trade by the many captures they have taken."
An inside page has some reports from America, and another page includes: "...a provincial Captain named Martinhad, near Morristown, been shot by a scouting party of the Rebels who mistook him for an English officer." The back page has reporting from the House of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 16, 1781  

* Revolutionary War events in the South

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…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778  

* Naval conflict between the Belle Poule vs. the Arethusa
* British and French frigates - 1st naval battle
* Action of 17 June 1778

A  very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give details of the naval battle between the Belle Poule and Arethusa, being the first naval battle between the British and new American…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  

* No compromise w/ England
* American Revolutionary War 

Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1776  

* Capture of New York City
* Rare Connecticut & Rhode Island map
* American Revolutionary War 

This issue begins with "Proceedings in the House  of Commons..." which includes discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...Nothing could have afforded me so much satisfaction as to have been able to inform you...that the troubles which have so long distracted my colonies in North America were at an end; and that my unhappy people, recovered from…

THE CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 

* Very rare publication
* British pro-American 

 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 11, 1777  Nearly half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Revolutionary War, a few bits of which include: "...that Gen. Howe had landed the 16th at Baltimore & proceeded to...40 miles from Philadelphia where General Washington's army was encamped...that General Clinton was setting out on an expedition supposed for North River...the rebel general Sullivan had landed on Staten Island & retreated next morning with the loss of 900 men...another…

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,…

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE OR UNIVERSAL REPOSITORY, London, Supplement for 1781  Like most British magazines of the era, this title printed "Supplement" issue at the end of each year. It includes several pages on: "Sir James Lowther's Motions Against Continuing the American War", now that the news of Cornwallis' surrender has been digested.
Two full page plates are present.
Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page great, nice condition.

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE, London, May, 1776  

* Pre Declaration of Independence 
* American Revolutionary War

Certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War, but a format & layout much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine".
Over 4 pages are taken up with a continued article: "The Present State of America" which includes "Religion & Civil Government of New England" "The Different Governments in North America Explained" & "Different Provinces of New England" with…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 12, 1776  Nearly half of the front page is taken up with a very fine account of the British landing on Long Island and their advance toward Manhattan Island, resulting in the historic Battle of Long Island. It is datelined: "Camp at New-Town, Long Island, September 3, 1776".
This is one of the best accounts of the Battle of Long Island we have seen, and great to have it on the front page. The lengthy report is signed at its…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War era original

A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as we find almost no American content in this issue.
At the back under the "Historical Chronicle" is mention that the New York, Quebec & Newfoundland fleets have set sail under the convoy of Admiral Arbuthnot. The balance of the news reports is almost entirely European in focus.
The plate of the Siege…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  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 war are: "Proceedings of the Army Under Gen. Howe" and "Proceedings of the…

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…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778  

* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration

The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the Political Print--A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation", while an auction hall has a better…

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…

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 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 SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, 1775  

* Culture of vines (vineyards... for wine)
* Revolutionary War era in America

This issue is mostly taken up with a lengthy article headed: "Debates in the Last Session of Parliament, Resumed" which includes various talk of the Revolutionary War in America.
Another article is titled: "The Culture of Vines Further Illustrated", plus there is a wide variety of other articles as well.
Both plates called for are present, one of…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War
* Report from Charleston, South Carolina

A brief item on pg. 2 notes: "...an express was received from South Carolina that General Prevost had made himself master of Charlestown [Charleston] the 11th ult, which he had carried by assault." See images for more details.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "Extracts from a Pamphlet...the History of the Opposition During the Last Session of…

THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, August, 1776  

* Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain

It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find issues containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing of the actual document.
With American newspaper printings commanding $100,000 or more in nice…

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…

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 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 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…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779  

* Abraham Carlisle & John Roberts
* Treason trials - Revolutionary War

The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and further on: "...he took occasion to lament the melancholy fate…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780  A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue.
Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French ships...had been drove ashore between the Capes of Virginia, & that the loyalists had got possession of them..." and the other…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1780  

* Battle of Camden, South Carolina
* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Inside has a lengthy & very detailed letter from Lord Cornwallis to Lord Germain on the battle of Camden, S.C., which begins: "It is with great pleasure that I communicate to your lordship an account of the...victory obtained on the 16th inst. by his Majesty's troops under my command over the rebels of the southern army, commanded by General Gates...". This report continues…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1779  

* Great siege of Rhode Island print
* American Revolutionary War original

This issue leads off with reports on the debates in Parliament, which include discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...the conduct of the army under the command of Gen. Howe; he seized the opportunity of painting in the blackest colours the ingratitude of the Americans; & concluded with exhorting the House to unanimity in prosecuting the war against them..." with…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1777 

* New Yorkers pledge allegiance to the King
* General William Howe proclamation
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Near the back are several letters from the seat of the Revolutionary War in America, including: "Extract of a Letter from the Gen. Wm. Howe to Lord G. Germaine dated New York, Apr. 1, 1777" which talks of plans to destroy provisions & stores at Peekskill.
Another letter details what was destroyed, with subheads: "Destroyed & burnt…

THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, 1775 

* Culture of vines (vineyards... for wine)
* Revolutionary War era in America

This issue is mostly taken up with a lengthy article headed: "Debates in the Last Session of Parliament, Resumed" which includes various talk of the Revolutionary War in America.
Another article is titled: "The Culture of Vines Further Illustrated", plus there is a wide variety of other articles as well.
One of the plates called for is present.
…

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, 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…

LONDON MAGAZINE, England, September, 1781  Under Review Of Books" is one  for: "The Revolution of America", which begins: "A narrative of the origin and progress of the rupture between Great Britain and her colonies, written with extreme partiality to the colonists, condemning in every point of view the conduct of the British government & justifying France and Spain for the part they have taken in the quarrel..." (see).
One of the two plates called for is present, being a likeness of "Hyde…