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Benedict Arnold on the Battle of Quebec... Ethan Allen in irons...



Item # 676625

February 22, 1776

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776 

* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold report
* Ethan Allen in captivity
* American Revolutionary War


The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & that several of the officers who are absent have sent letters to acquaint their officers that they shall not join their regiments to be sent upon so unusual a war, to shed the blood of their countrymen." with more related content. There are additional reports relating to the Revolutionary War on the front page, including mention that: "...General Prescott was removed from his apartments...to the new goal by order of the Hon. Continental "Congress. It is said he was guilty of cruelty treating the prisoners taken from the Continental army in Canada, particularly Col. Allen lately sent home to England in irons." (see)
Also on the front page is an: "Extract of a Letter from Brigadier General Arnold" dated from Quebec (see) and which concerns his involvement in the battle there. He mentions in part: "You will soon hear of our misfortune, and of my being wounded...my wound (which was by a ball that went through my left leg & shattered the bone) is in a fair way of recovery...". This Battle of Quebec was the first major defeat for the Americans.
Page 2 has a report concerning a skirmish at Dorchester Neck, and also some items relating to the Battle of Quebec. There is also an explanation for why this issue is a single-sheet rather than the more typical 4 page format, mentioning the death of one of the publishers Ebenezer Hall, & that: "...Samuel Hall, original & surviving Publisher...intends continuing the publication...His being seized with a violent sickness just after this brother's illness commenced, will it is hoped, induce his kind customers to excuse the disappointment of a paper last week, and the printing but half of a sheet this." (see) This explains not only this issue being a single sheet, but also why the date span in the dateline is February 8 to February 22, 1776, not printing a week due to sickness.
Complete as a single-sheet issue, decorative engraving in the masthead, a bit of dirtiness to the upper right of the first column, otherwise very nice condition. Issues dated 1776 are always the most desired of the war era.

Category: Revolutionary War