On the French Alliance Treaty... George Johnstone & his bribes...

Item # 701414

August 19, 1778

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Aug. 19, 1778 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.