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A Loyalist states why America is at war...



Item # 689079

February 28, 1778

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Feb. 28, 1778 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America


This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Half of the front page first column is a: "Proclamation" signed by: W. Howe, concerning naval affairs. Page 2 has: "It cannot have escaped the notice...that this country has been brought to its present state of distress & confusion chiefly by the art & industry of pretended patriots both in England and America who were stimulated by indigence, avarice, or ambition to embroil the government & mislead the people..." with much more, having an obvious Tory tone.
Page 3 begins with a: "Proclamation" signed in type: W. Howe, in which he declares that: "...the most exemplary punishment shall be inflicted on all persons whatsoever who shall be found guilty of taking the property of others, unwarrantably, of exposing the same to sale or of purchasing what may be so offered by soldiers...or of suspicious characters..." and more. Page 3 also has an ad for the printing of: "Common Sense" with some specifics noted.
Included within this issue is the smaller sized single sheet: "Supplement To The Pennsylvania Ledger" with the same date. It is mostly taken up with a speech by the King of England, followed by the response by Parliament. On the reverse is a document: "By Order of His Excellency Sir William Howe" concerning: "...a sufficient quantity of forage & pasturage should be provided for the use of the horses in his Majesty's service..." with details. Note the back page notice: "By Order of His Excellency the Commander in Chief" of the King's army, in which he offers that: "All deserters from the rebel army who are in this city...who wish to go to Europe...that a passage, free from expence, may be provided for them."
Four pages, damp stain at the lower left, numeric notations next to ads (this was the editor's copy), otherwise nice. The "Supplement" is about 20% smaller than the regular issue & has wide, untrimmed margins.

Category: Revolutionary War