Home > Back to Search Results >
British to attack Philadelphia... John Hancock... Creating battalions...
British to attack Philadelphia... John Hancock... Creating battalions...
Item # 715771
November 30, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western portion of what was then Virginia (Tennessee) and encounters with Indians.
Also a Resolve from Congress reads: "That a Committee of five be appointed with full powers to devise and execute measures of effectually reinforcing General Washington and obstructing the progress of General Howe's army, and that they proceed immediately on this business." signed in type by: John Hancock, with the committee members noted. This is followed by details for creating several battalions of soldiers, noting how to be composed: "...consist of 76 privates, one drummer, one fifer, four corporals, and four sergeants...That the companies be engaged in the service of the United States till the 10th day of March next...be entitled to a pair of shoes and stockings & to the same rations & the same monthly pay with the other troops on the Continental establishment..." with more details, including the oath to be taken by those who enlist.
Another report from the Council of Safety begins: "General Howe, after having reduced Fort Washington and obtained possession of Fort Lee, is now directing his operations against New Jersey. There is much reason to believe that his views extend to the city of Philadelphia..." with more on this. Plus another report from the council at Newark notes: "You have no doubt heard all the particulars of our retreat from fort Lee to Hackensack, from Hackinsack to Aquaconack, and from thence to this place...We lost some of our large mortars, part of our cannon & stores at Fort Lee...I believe the generals intend to make a stand at this place I hope these losses will rouse the virtue of America...I have still hopes of success...that America would not purchase her freedom at so cheap a rate as was imagined...there is very good intelligence that the enemy intends to make a push for Philadelphia..." with more.
Complete in 4 pages, small binding holes at the spine margin not affecting text, some stray publisher's markings at margins, nice condition.
AI notes: In 1776, the British considered Philadelphia a key strategic target as the political heart of the rebellion, but their immediate military efforts focused on New York City. General William Howe, commanding British forces in North America, sought to crush the Continental Army and isolate the rebellion by controlling major ports and cities, making New York the initial objective. Plans for an attack on Philadelphia were contemplated, as its capture could disrupt the Continental Congress and demoralize the revolutionaries, yet logistical challenges and the need to secure New York delayed any direct offensive. Instead, Howe concentrated on defeating George Washington’s army in the New York and New Jersey campaigns, pushing the Americans across the Delaware River by the end of 1776. Although Philadelphia remained an important strategic goal, the actual British campaign against the city would not occur until 1777, when Howe successfully captured it following the Battle of Brandywine, forcing the Continental Congress to flee.
Category: Revolutionary War
Available Now
$1,365.00
