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John Hancock... Great masthead... British "seeks" a new commander...



Item # 693170

January 21, 1782

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 21, 1782 

* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War

Perhaps the best feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.
The front page has: "Take Notice" with the text beginning: "Deserted on the evening of the 4th instant, from the crew of His Most Christian Majesty's transport ship Cibelle, a number of French sailors..." with various details.
Page 2 has reports from Barbadoes concerning the war, including: "...General Christie, having upon his late arrival here with a battalion of his majesty's troops...requesting temporary quarters might be provided for them...I have directed the troops to be quartered in the forts until some provision can be made for their better accommodation...With respect to such cannon & small arms as are wanted to replace those which are become unserviceable..." with more.
Page 3 has reports from Salem and Boston, the latter including: "Tho' the season cannot be expected to produce any important warlike actions or change of affairs...May heaven guard the glory and dignity of the American states & developer the arena of the enemy's machinations until the carnage of the human race shall cease & the olive branch be extended to us. Oh! stretch thy reign, fair Peace! from shore to shore, Till conquest cease and war be heard no more...".
The back page has an interesting tongue-in-cheek item headed: "Wanted For the Next Campaign in North America" with the text beginning: "A Commander in Chief for the British armies. Any person who inclines to accept this arduous employment...The person pitched upon will also be required to give security that he will not write home long epistles containing particular details of victories that never existed & battles that it would be better never to have fought..." & more, & ending with a postscript: "No Scotchman nor Irishman shall be rejected hereafter merely for being such."
The back page also has a document concerning the apprehension of French sailors, signed in type by the Governor of Massachusetts: John Hancock.
Four pages and in very nice, clean condition.

Category: Revolutionary War