Home > Ben Franklin shows his wit...
Click image to enlarge 573765
Show image list »

Ben Franklin shows his wit...



Item # 573765

Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.



December 11, 1775

HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE, Southampton, England, Dec. 11, 1775 A nice folio size newspaper with a very handsome masthead, featuring ornate lettering and 3 engravings. The ftpg. includes a letter from the "General Committee" at Charleston to Governor William Campbell of South Carolina concerning him leaving the city to take refuge on a ship. This is replied to by the governor with a letter which begins: "...The presumption of such an address from a body assembled by no legal authority & whom I must consider as in open & actual rebellion against their Sovereign, can only be equaled by the outrages which obliged me to take refuge on board the King's ship..." with more (see).
Page 2 has a few brief items including: "The troops going to Virginia...are to e commanded by General Clinton from Boston...Lord Cornwallis, who goes out commander of the troops, to resign the same when at Williamsburgh to Gen. Clinton..." This is followed by a: "Letter From Dr. Franklin to a Friend in London" which includes: "Tell our good friend...not to be in any pains for us...we are firm and united. As I know he is a great calculator, I will give him some data to work upon...has cost two millions, they have gained a mile of ground; they have lost half of it back again, they have lost 1500 men & killed 150 Yankies. In the mean time we have had between sixty & seventy thousand children born. Ask him how long it will take for England to conquer America?" (see).
Page 3 has an item from New York headed: "American News" with various reports including mention of Ethan Allen (see).  Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

Category: Revolutionary War