Historic Newspapers: British Officers - Rev War

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 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 LONDON EVENING POST, England, August 5, 1777

* Battle of Bound Brook - New Jersey
* American Revolutionary War

The front page has a few items concerning the war (see photo). Page 3 has a letter which reports in part "...intelligence that the Generals Howe and Cornwallis had joined at Amboy upon which General Washington had detached General Putnam to fall on the garrison of 3000 men which the English had left at Brunswick who, on the 2nd attack were forced & surrendered...After this…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782  

* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* General George Washington
* Surrender at Yorktown - Virginia

This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. 
An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had the honour to acquaint your Lordship with my fears respecting the fate of the army in Virginia. It now gives me the deepest concern to inform you…

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 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 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…

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…

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…

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 BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777  

* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders

The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty. 
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe--found in its entirety on the front page--dated at Albany, Oct. 20, 1777. In his…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781  

* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War

Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to all the inhabitants of these States who have been so hardy as to oppose a degradation from the rank of freemen to that of…

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE Cambridge, Sept. 21, 1775  

* American Revolutionary War

This title has a rather short lifespan in Cambridge existing from just May 12, 1775 thru April 4, 1776, less than a year. After the latter date the newspaper was removed to Boston.
The front page begins with a strong appeal by the City of London to the King concerning his handling of the situation in America. It mentions: "...The abhorrence we entertain of civil bloodshed & confusion will, we…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776  

* Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church 
* British General Thomas Gage 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed: "Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne" datelined: "camp on Prospect Hill, Dec. 1, 1775". The letter includes in part: "As I am just informed you are ready to embark for…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE and COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Feb. 14, 1778  

* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Brandywine & more

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report on the treatment of American captures by the British, with considerable detail.
It begins: "The following is an account of the treatment that the Continental officers, taken in the frigates Hancock and Fox, and lately returned from a six months imprisonment, met with at Halifax...". Much detail.
Page…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1782  The issue begins with 8 pages of "Proceedings In Parliament", the first 3 of which have much concerning America with mention of an exchange of prisoners, Mr. Laurens, Ben Franklin, Lord Cornwallis, General Burgoyne, and more.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news reports of the day, including mention that: "...arrived at Portsmouth from New York, on board of which came passengers Sir Henry Clinton and his suite, Sir Guy…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, July, 1781  The "Historical Chronicle" begins with: "Plan for Putting an End to the American War & for Laying the Foundation of a Permanent Peace with the Thirteen Colonies". Another report has some good talk on military affairs in America including: "...Lord Cornwallis has entered Virginia; that a reinforcement has entered Chesapeak...on receiving intelligence of the arrival there of Gen. Cornwallis...two intercepted letters from Gen. Washington to la Fayette, the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 9, 1780 

* General William Howe
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Most of a page is taken up with a letter signed: "Americanus" which is critical in the efforts of General Howe during his leadership in war effort in America, headed: "To the Right Hon. Lord H--e" (brother of the general), which has near the beginning: "In the complaint your Lordship made in the House of Commons about the letters written upon your own & your Brother's conduct in…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 18, 1780 

* General John Burgoyne resignation
* re. Surrender at Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War

The entire front page, two-thirds of page 2, and half of page 3 are taken up with: "...the various letters that passed between the late and present secretary at War and Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to that officer's resignation of his military employments.", with various references to his defeat &…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778

* American Revolutionary War

 Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer terms of accommodation that would have satisfied all American demands except…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 25, 1779  Most of page 2 is taken up with further discussions in the House of Commons on the conduct of General Howe. Page 3 has from the "House of Commons: "General Burgoyne rose and recapitulated the whole of the American war in which he had been concerned...". An update notes: "...from Virginia...brings advice that nothing had yet been done by the armies in North America, both continuing still in their winter quarters; & that the British troops in…

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 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…

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…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 23, 1780  Page 2 includes a report that: "...certainly various accounts in tow from very respectable quarters, all of which confirm Sir Henry Clinton's taking Charlestown [Charleston] by storm on the 7th of April after a great slaughter on both sides..." (see).
Fully 1 1/3 pages are taken up with "Letter V to the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Howe" which is quite critical of actions in America during the Revolutionary War. Some bits include: "...But Brooklyn…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4,…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776  

* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency 
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown

Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had just abandoned New York with the British taking control, within this Proclamation they noted previous grants of a free and…

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 PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War
* Gen. John Burgoyne failures
* re. Battles of Saratoga surrender

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates, a major…

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…

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 EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, October 22, 1779 

* Revolutionary War peace plan ? 

Page 3 has a report of some hope for peace in the Revolutionary War, headed: "Proposals for the final Settlement & Pacification of  the Troubles in America..." which includes 6 points as printed here, the first: "Required that commissioners be appointed to treat, consult, & agree upon the final settlement & pacification of the present troubles in America upon safe, honourable & permanent terms,…

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 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 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 PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1777 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
* General William Howe proclamations

This was a strongly Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British were in occupation. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
The first column on the front page features…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1781  

* Pre-surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War original 

A very nice issue from just five months before Cornwallis would surrender to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The front page has a report: "In Council" at Phila. beginning: "Whereas by an Act of Assembly...intitled 'An Act to complete the quota of the Federal Army assigned to this state..."…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781  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 characteristic. The whole substance is comprised in the few words that follow: " and what follows is the historic…

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…

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 LONDON MAGAZINE, England, November, 1782  Inside has an article: "Account of the Arrival of General Gage in America in the Year 1774, With the Proceedings of the Americans in Consequence of the Boston Port Bill Until the Appointment of a Congress".
This is a wonderful article, taking two pages, and reflecting upon the notable events of the early period of the Revolutionary War. The report begins with a reflective note: "The joy which appeared on every countenance at the end of this session,…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England October, 1775  

* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Continental Congress rejects the offer 
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War

Over 2 pages area taken up with the document--signed in type by John Hancock--in which the Continental Congress rejects the conciliation plan of Lord North. The document is headed: "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS". See for portions. This is followed by a number of letters from notables of the Revolutionary War including…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 23, 1780  Page 2 has: "...from the force carried out with Sir Henry Clinton to South Carolina, there is room to entertain the most favourable hopes of the success of his enterprise. With Sir Henry Clinton, from New York, went 7500 men..." with more (see photos). Elsewhere is: "...a letter from an Officer on board the brig Hawke off Staten Island" which includes: "...the alarm was given that the rebels were on Staten Island...express was sent on board…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 18, 1775

* General George Washington
* Named Commander-in-Chief 
* Continental Army - British reaction

The front page begins with a nice item from London concerning George Washington: "General Washington, who was lately appointed Generalissimo over the Provincials, has refused any salary, and is to attend to the hazardous and arduous duty allotted him from principle only. A most noble example & worthy of imitation in Great Britain, particularly…

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 12, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker - Breed's Hill
* Charleston, Boston, Massachusetts
* General Thomas Gage account

Certainly a terrific issue as page 3 begins with a letter, signed in type by: Tho. Gage, in which he gives his account of the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, dated June 25 just 8 days after the battle.
In this letter Gage offers much detail, beginning: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terrific letter signed by "A Common Man" headed: "To Cato, Cassandra, and all the Writers on the…

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…