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On the French Alliance Treaty... George Johnstone & his bribes...
On the French Alliance Treaty... George Johnstone & his bribes...
Item # 701414
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August 19, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Aug. 19, 1778
* First publication in this state
* American Revolutionary War
New Jersey was the last of the original 13 colonies to have a newspaper. This is the volume 1, number 37 issue.
The entire front page is taken up with reporting and letters between the French & American commissioners concerning the recently-concluded Treaty of Alliance.
Page 2 has a notable "Declaration" from Congress, signed by Henry Laurens, President of Congress. This relates to Johnstone, who was one of the British commissioners assigned to forge a treaty of peace with America, and his attempt to sway influential Americans with the argument that reconciling with Britain was preferable to dependence on France. In his communications he made vague hints of rewards to those who helped secure this outcome, and was eventually accused of attempting to bribe American general Joseph Reed.
There are additional reports on the war found on pages 2 and 3, as noted in the photos, including content on the battle at Rhode Island, as well as a tongue-in-cheek item concerning: "To be sold, the British right in America...Apply to George Johnstone, who is desirous to conclude a private bargain...".
Four pages, scattered foxing throughout, very nice condition.
AI notes: The New-Jersey Gazette, originally established in Burlington in 1777 and relocated to Trenton on March 4, 1778, under the direction of printer Isaac Collins, was New Jersey’s first newspaper and a vital source of information during the American Revolutionary War. Published continuously in Trenton until November 27, 1786, it provided local residents with news of military developments, political debates, and public notices, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and sustaining support for the Continental Army. Notably, the March 4, 1778 issue featured an open letter from General George Washington appealing to the residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia for provisions to aid the army, reflecting the paper’s importance as a conduit for official communications. The Gazette also covered broader national and international news, advertisements, and legal announcements, offering modern researchers a detailed glimpse into Revolutionary-era life, society, and politics in New Jersey. Its preservation in archives such as the New Jersey State Library, GenealogyBank, and the New Brunswick Historical Newspapers Project ensures continued access for historians and genealogists seeking to explore its historical significance.
Category: Revolutionary War
No Longer Available
