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Fine content on the strained relationship between England and the American colonies...



Item # 666069

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March 03, 1775

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 3, 1775 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
Most of the front page is taken up with a detailed account headed: "An Authetick Account of the Miserable fate of ten Men belonging to the Adventure, lately Returned from the South Seas, who were Surprised by the Savages in New Zealand, put to Death, and Eaten." This was on one of Captain Cook's voyages.
Beginning on page 1 & carrying over to page 2 is an article: "The True Art of Government Consists in Not Governing too Much" which has just an oblique reference to America.
Page 2 includes: "...that a very respectable house in the Boston and Salem trade has very large orders from two...insist upon being shipped...notwithstanding all the resolutions of the Congress..." and: "...that the Virginians have spirit & resolution worthy of ancient Romans & are to leave off planting tobacco in order to get off the oppressive acts for raising a revenue in America..." with more on this. And here are several more items concerning the issue if non-importation, in addition to a report that: "Georgia and East and West Florida, have dissented from the resolutions of the American Congress."
A page 3 report has: "...the debate on the address in the House of Commons, Mr. Burke spoke...said the Ministers affirmed that the punishment of Boston would strike terrour into all America; that America would be prostrate at our feet begging for mercy; that all the other colonies would abandon Boston to her fate. The very contrary of all this has happened, and all the colonies take up the cause of Boston as a common cause...A great law lord declared...that were he an American he would resist the present measures to the last drop of his blood...".
Some fine content in the tensions with America continue including mention that: "...as soon as all the proceedings of the Grand American Congress are laid before Parliament, a motion will be made for an act to make the whole of their proceedings high treason...". Much more interesting content.
The back page is taken up with advertisements including one for the sale of 1114 acres which includes: "...up wards of fifty valuable SLAVES..." with details.
Included is the single sheet "Supplement" issue which has more American content. The front page has several bits on relations with the colonies, including: "...It is now evident, from the most favourable computations, that our going to war with America will  not be less to us,, computing what we must spend and what we must loose, than 14 millions per annum." and: "...if we sit still and see the people of America deprived of their liberties by a military force, what security we shall have that the same force will not then be employed to enslave us?"
The prime content in this issue would be the terrific & rather lengthy speech by Mr. Cruger in Parliament on the American affairs, taking over half of the page and concluding on the back page. Too much to mention here--see the photos.
This is followed by an equally great letter from New York which speaks to the worth of that colony's Assembly in relation to the troubling situation with England (see). And also a report from Massachusetts concerning those residents who are assisting the British troops, noting in part: "...he or they so offending shall be held in the highest detestation 7 deemed inveterate enemies to America...".
Six pages with the Supplement issue, some foxing to the lower portion be not affecting any readability, never-trimmed margins, handsome coat-of-arms in the masthead, nice condition.

Category: Revolutionary War