Historic Newspapers: Revolutionary War - British Newspapers

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1776  This issue includes a lengthy article (3+ pages) on Captain Cook and the: "Resolution's Voyage on Discovery to the Southern Hemisphere". Accompanying this article is a rare full page map titled: "Part of the Tropical Discoveries of the Resolution Sloop, Captain Cook in 1774..." with a related article.
The map measures 5 1/45 by 9 inches, a bit close-trimmed at a bottom corner to fold into the issue but not affecting the b order.
The other nice graphic

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 29, 1775  The most significant content is found on page 3. Found here is the complete text of King George III's "Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition," dated August 23, 1775, the Crown's formal declaration that the American colonies were in open rebellion. This was, essentially, England's declaration of war against the American Colonies.
Rejecting the colonists' constitutional arguments and ordering all civil and military authorities to

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, June 9, 1775  This issue has content relating to the Battle of Lexington & Concord, as shown in the many photos. One item mentions in part: "...from Hampton in Virgina...brings advices that the people of Virginia had heard of the whole affair at Boston; that 24,000 provincial troops lay before it; that General Gage had been requested to let those come out who were inclined...upon receiving these advices in Virginia, General Washington immediately set out to

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 PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776

• Post Declaration of Independence
• American Revolutionary War

This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776.

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in

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

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, 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 themselves prisoners

THE GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE. London, August 1776

• Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
• From our American Revolutionary War foe

This issue contains one of the earliest British magazine printings of the foundational American document, with the full text headed: “Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, July 4.” It begins with the immortal opening “When in the course of human events…” The document continues on the following

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776

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

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,

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1776

• American Revolutionary War
• Captain James Cook vogage
• South Pole map - HMS Resolution

This is a fine issue from this significant year of the Revolutionary War, with much war-related content.
Included are two pages on an: "Act for Prohibiting all Trade with America" which is followed by an: "Act of Massachusetts Bay for Fitting out Armed Vessels" which takes 3 pages.
Also reported here is a: "Declaration of the Continental Congress on a late

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1776  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 an issue containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing of the actual document. With American newspaper printings commanding $75,000 or more in nice condition, here is an opportunity for a period printing at a very reasonable price.
The title/contents page of this

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1775  Although there is other good American content here, near the back has a great account of the very historic Battle of Bunker Hill signed in type: Tho. Gage, which overshadows all else. This report takes nearly an entire page and begins: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on the 17th of June instant between his Majesty's troops and a large body of the rebel forces. An alarm was given at break of day on the 17th...troops advanced,

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1781  Near the back is a full page with a very nice & detailed: "Description of West Florida", which at that time was the present-day panhandle of Florida west to New Orleans. Nice descriptions of Mobile, Pensacola & other parts.
One of the two plates called for is present (map of West Florida is lacking).
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents page only, very nice condition.
Formatted very much like

THE MONTHLY REVIEW, London, July, 1780  One of the less common magazines of the 18th century, and more importantly, this issue is as it was sold on the streets, with untrimmed margins and with the original green outer wrapper.
The issue begins with the: "Account of the Russian Discoveries Between Asia & America..." which takes nearly 10 pages. Also within: "Political Annals of the Present United Colonies, from Their Settlement to the Peace of 1763" which ended the French & Indian War. This is

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

LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1775  Page 2 has a fine account of the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. The account describes the march of the British Regulars stating in part that they: "...advanced within two miles of Cambridge without any considerable opposition; but they were there met by General Putnam at the head of 5000 men, who gave them a very warm reception...it is suppose 3 or 400 men were killed on each side, and the provincials retreated...without the least disorder. The Regulars

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1776

• American Revolutionary War era map
• Shows North America and more
• Pre-Declaration of Independence

The prime feature is the great map showing all of the western hemisphere titled: "A New Projection of the Western Hemisphere of the Earth on a Plane shewing the proportions of its several parts nearly as on a Globe, By J. Hardy, at Eton College." 
The map is dated at the bottom: "by F. Newbery, Ludgate Street, May 1, 1776".  It measures 9 by 11 1/4 inches,

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 27, 1777

• American Revolutionary War from the enemy

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

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 allies the

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 their

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775

• Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
• Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific

Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
There is terrific & historic reading taking nearly 2 pages on what is an early version of the Articles of Confederation, being a plan to unite

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 of

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 OR UNIVERSAL REPOSITORY, 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 "Domestic Intelligence".
It begins with a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germain dated at New York, Nov. 17, in which he is compelled to report the dire news of Cornwallis' fate at Yorktown.
Near the beginning it notes: "In my last...I had the honour to

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 more.
Near

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 of Rhode

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 10, 1778

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

An inside page has an interesting report signed by "A Manufacturer" concerning the potential problems with sending artisans & others learned in the trades to America, noting: "...Let us therefore no longer alarm ourselves with the imaginary fears of America's rivaling England in trade & manufactures. If ever that happens it must be after the expiration of some centuries...".
Another page has a report

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 headings covering

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 explanation:
"An extremely

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 into the

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 Nov. 29 was simply a

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 last

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 which is a foldout

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 Parliament" which

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 condition--if

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 America,

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1777  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 by the King's troops" and "Destroyed and Burnt by the Rebels:".
Yet another letter with talk of naval affairs in the

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, 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, June, 1778

• General George Washington
• William Howe & John Burgoyne

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

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 every

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779  Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee.
Near the back under "American News" is: "...some letters that had passed between Sir Henry Clinton & Gen. Washington for the exchange of prisoners...The Marquis de la

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 of

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780

• American Revolutionary War
• General George Washington's army
• At Morristown, New Jersey
• South Carolina events

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

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