RARE ISSUE OF JAMES RIVINGTON’S “ROYAL GAZETTE” THE FAMOUS TORY NEWSPAPER

“….patiently wait the arrival of a Mail from England, which in all probability will determine the great, the important question, ‘big with the Fate of Britain and America.’”

The Royal Gazette, New York
Saturday, February 22, 1783

Very seldom do I manage to find a Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War, much less the almost-legendary Royal Gazette, published by James Rivington. The masthead includes the motto: “TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.” New York City was the last major city stronghold of the British forces at the end of the War. The Patriots throughout new country referred to the newspaper as “Rivington’s Lying Gazette,” owing to its skewed battle reports, false reports of quarrels between Continental leaders, supposed “financial collapse” of the American rebels, and the great strength of the British forces.

This rare issue published during the Revolution’s final days reports news from various sources that peace had broken out in Europe, although talks in Spain had ceased. The whole city of New York was waiting for news that the Revolutionary War was over and American would be declared to be independent. Many of the Tory inhabitants of New York were making plans to go back to Europe or head for Nova Scotia and Canada fearing for their lives of being accused of treason against the new United States. The front page contains “ORDERS,” regarding people who had houses or land within the (British) lines which have been withheld from them for offenses against the English Crown to make their claims to the New York Police (see scan).

There is also a notice playing up Nova Scotia as an excellent place to resettle for those Loyalists and their families who wish to “get out of town” (see remarkable scan).

4 pp., complete, and in very fine condition. The Royal woodcut illustration in the masthead is especially nice. A very rare opportunity to own an original of the most sought-after Tory newspaper in history! It’s also the only one we have in stock or may ever see again.

$1,950

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

LIST OF MEN & ARMS CAPTURED BY GEN. WASHINGTON AT YORKTOWN

“1 lieutenant general” (Lord Cornwallis himself!)

The Freeman’s Journal, Philadelphia
Wednesday, November 7, 1781

Running over a half-column on the third page is a long listing of the British officers and soldiers plus armaments captured on Oct. 19th after the Siege of Yorktown–the battle that virtually ended the American Revolution. In a typical bureaucratic understatement, Lord Cornwallis is listed at the top: “1 lieutenant general.” (See scans)

The front page has an incredible poem about Yorktown with the lead-in: “On the fall of general earl CORNWALLIS, who, with above eight thousand men, surrendered themselves prisoners of war to the renowned and illustrious general GEORGE WASHINGTON, commander in chief of the allied armies of France and America, on the memorable 19th of October, 1781.”

News from New York (the last major Tory stronghold) states that the report of Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown had reached that city. In part, “The women are in tears, the soldiery in a panic, the merchants selling off their goods for much less than the first cost in Europe, the tories are in the utmost consternation, and Benedict Arnold himself, it is said, trembles like an aspen leaf….”

“Breaking News!” John Hanson is elected President of the Continental Congress.

4 pp., complete and in excellent condition…easily one of the finest issues from the Revolutionary War we’ve seen to date. This paper is a must for a fine collection–don’t miss it!

$ 1,500

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

GEN. BURGOYNE A PRISONER AFTER BATTLE OF SARATOGA

BURGOYNE FAILS TO MEET TERMS OF SURRENDER CONVENTION
NEWS OF SARATOGA VICTORY REACHES FRANCE–CHANGES THE WAR!
THE RHODE ISLAND OATH OF ALLEGIANCE - FRONT PAGE PRINTING!
BENEDICT ARNOLD DINES WITH GEN. LINCOLN
GEN. LAFAYETTE LEADS 5,000 TROOPS TO CANADA

The Providence Gazette, Rhode Island
Saturday, February 21, 1778

Here’s a really “packed” newspaper from the middle of the American Revolution. The front page contains the complete printing of the Rhode Island “Oath of Allegiance, “ which every free male 21 and over must take before a state or local official. The Oath begins: “I do swear, That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantation, and will faithfully support, maintain and defend the same, against George the third, King of Great-Britain, his abettors, and all other enemies and opposers whatsoever; and will discover all plots and conspiracies that shall come to my knowledge against said State, or any other of the United States of America. So help me God.”

In other important news, Congress has determined that General Burgoyne, who surrendered his army to General Gates in a huge victory at Saratoga, has failed to turn over certain armaments to the Americans under the terms of surrender. Therefore, Congress has resolved that neither he nor his army can embark for England until all the terms are met!

A letter from Baltimore reports, “The news of General Burgoyne’s defeat and surrender was received in France a few days before Capt. Moore sailed,” etc. France would shortly enter the war against Britain and help turn the tide in favor of the United States. There is also news that Gen. Benedict Arnold (soon to turn traitor), dined with General Lincoln, with some details. This tough Rhode Island newspaper has plenty of other war news and reports–they kept me up for an evening reading about the Revolution in first-hand accounts!

4 pp., complete and in very good condition. There is some fairly typical staining in the lower half not affecting anything. Some old archival tape reinforcements as well. This is one of the better papers from 1778 I’ve ever had to offer, and at a reasonable price. Be sure to check the scans!

$750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

BENEDICT ARNOLD IN THE BRITISH SERVICE! THOMAS JEFFERSON CAPTURED?

ARNOLD LEADS REDCOATS, BUT IS SHUNNED BY LORD CORNWALLIS!
THOMAS JEFFERSON CAPTURED?–THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN THE SOUTH
ORIGINAL PAUL REVERE “SWORD IN HAND” ENGRAVED MASTHEAD!

The Independent Chronicle, and The Universal Advertiser, Boston, Mass.
Thursday, July 5, 1781

From the superb Paul Revere engraving in the masthead, to notice and acts signed, in type, “Samuel Adams,” and “John Hancock” (then Mass. Governor), to reports of the depredations of Benedict Arnold (now on the British side), in Virginia, you know this is a very special early American newspaper!

Benedict Arnold, after attempting to sell the plans of the American post at West Point to the British, switched sides in the American Revolution. Invading Virginia, he dispatched troops under Banastre Tarleton to enter Charlottesville to try to capture government officials. Although Gov. Thomas Jefferson barely escaped the British dragoons, he was investigated by the Virginia House of Delegates for possible negligence of duty! This newspaper publishes the news that “300 cavalry, and 100 infantry entered Charlottesville….for the express purpose of seizing the members of the assembly of Virginia, and the principal officers of that government….but the gentlemen having….gained intelligence of the rapid approach of the enemy, retired from the village…but his excellency Gov. Jefferson, and two other gentlemen, (members of the legislature) it is feared were taken….”

In another report dated “Annapolis, (Maryland) June 1,” it is stated that “….Lord North had the impudence to declare….to the parliament of Great Britain, that the confederation of America was not accomplished, and that Maryland had refused to accede to it. The Traitor Arnold….foolishly boasted of the same thing. ” And, in other news, Lord Cornwallis had destroyed tobacco in Virginia, while General Greene was winning battles in North and South Carolina.

The front page contains a Massachusetts act regarding keeping soldiers for service in defence of the state and nation, and is signed, in type, “JOHN HANCOCK,” then Governor of Massachusetts, as well as Samuel Adams (beer, anyone!?), President of the House of Representatives. And the back page has a full column notice for the “Massachusetts LOTTERY For the SOLE Purpose of Cloathing the ARMY.”

4 pages, complete, and in very fine condition, with a few foxing spots at the top of page three. The scarce Paul Revere “Sword in Hand” woodcut illustration is one of the finest I’ve seen in any issue of The Independent Chronicle. This is a keeper!

$2,250

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

THOMAS PAINE’S “THE CRISIS, NO. IX”

The Complete Text by the Author of “Common Sense”

The Pennsylvania Packet, Philadelphia,
Saturday, June 10, 1780

On Dec. 23, 1776, patriot Thomas Paine, author of the popular pro-American pamphlet, “Common Sense,” penned the first in a series of essays designed to build the spirit and confidence of the hard-pressed Continental Army and the American people, and to argue for complete independence of the newly-formed United States of America. He began that first letter with the famous words, “These are the times that try mens’ souls….” General George Washington found the essay so inspiring that he ordered it read to his beleagured army.

Here in full, is the first printing of Paine’s ninth letter. He writes in part, “The war, on the part of America, has been a war of natural feelings. Brave in distress; serene in conquest; drowsy while at rest; and in every situation generously disposed to peace; a dangerous calm, and a most heightened zeal have, as circumstances varied, succeeded each other. Every passion but that of despair has been called to a tour of duty; and so mistaken has been the enemy, of our abilities and disposition, that when she supposed us conquered, we rose the conquerors. The extensiveness of the United States, and the variety of their resources; the universality of their cause, the quick operation of their feelings, and the similarity of their sentiments, have, in every trying situation, produced a something, which, favored by providence, and pursued with ardor, has accomplished in an instant the business of a campaign. We have never deliberately sought victory, but snatched it; and bravely undone in an hour the blotted operations of a season.”

I have taken the time to scan the entire essay for all to read and ponder–it takes you back in time to the War for Independence in a way no history textbook can truly match. A newspaper like this one is to be preserved and treasured for as long as America has its being.

4 pages, complete, and in excellent condition throughout. Again, this is the very first printing of “The Crisis No. IX.” Other newspapers printed it in the days and weeks afterward as it made its way throughout the new country. First printings are highly sought-after by collectors and historians alike.

$3,750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL

“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”

The Pennsylvania Evening Post, Philadelphia
Saturday, July 1, 1775

This historic issue publishes two superb reports of the Battle of Bunker (Breed’s) Hill [June 17, 1775]. The first, a 29 line eyewitness report, dated, Worcester, June 21, gives a succinct but colorful account of the battle, “… [our troops] lines of circumvallation, on a small hill south of Bunker’s Hill in Charlestown, was in great forwardness…. about two the enemy began to land… and… marched up to our intrenchments, from which they were twice repulsed with great loss…. Though this scene was horrible, and altogether new to most of our men; yet many stood and received wounds, by swords & bayonets, before they quitted their lines. The number killed and wounded on our side is not yet known. Our men are in high spirits.”

A more detailed, 68 line account, by Thaddeus Burr, also appears. “… you will doubtless hear of the engagement of last Saturday, between our troops and those of the Army at Boston…. Last Friday evening, a detachment from the camp at Cambridge marched to Charlestown, and there took possession of Breeds-Hill…about two o’clock, when a large army of between four and five thousand men…under the command of General Howe landed on the back of the hill, and marched up with great seeming resolution towards our lines; our men reserved their fire till the enemy had advance very near, when a general engagement ensued; the fire from our lines was so excessive heavy, and made such a terrible slaughter as obliged the enemy twice to give way….”

These are some of the earliest published accounts of this major early battle in the American Revolution. The paper also reports on General Washington & other Revolutionary War news.

4 pp., 4to; disbound, a couple of minor spots and a touch of light foxing, but a very fine copy. The Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence in its July 6, 1776 issue, and one recently sold at auction for over $350,000!

We’ve only had two other newspapers reporting Bunker Hill, and they were sold long ago. In all probability this may be the last such issue we will ever see. For the very finest collection.

$15,000

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Revolutionary War, All Historic Newspapers

THE BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE - FRENCH & INDIAN WAR

GENERAL WILLIAM JOHNSON’S OFFICIAL LETTER DESCRIBING THE ACTION!
BRITISH REPULSED INITIALLY, BUT FURIOUSLY SLAUGHTER THE FRENCH & INDIANS
RARE EARLY MARYLAND NEWSPAPER

The Maryland Gazette, Annapolis
Thursday, October 9, 1755

The entire front page consists of a letter from British Major-General William Johnson dated, “Camp at Lake George, Sept. 9, 1755. To the Governors of the several Colonies who raised the Troops on the present Expedition.” This phenomenal letter contains the complete in-depth account of the several actions between the British and Americans v. French & Indian forces at Lake George. General Johnson had sent a party of 1,000 men and 200 Indians ahead to meet the oncoming enemy, but the contingent was forced to retreat to Johnson’s main line. However, Johnson had heavily fortified his position with cannons, and when the French & Indian forces charged, they were mowed down with great loss. There were other smaller bloody engagements as well before the enemy was driven off. Here’s just a single portion of the letter: “….and kept a constant and strong Fire upon the Enemy; this Attack failing, and the Artillery still playing along the Line, we found their Fire very weak, with considerable Intervals: This was about 4 o’Clock, when our Men and the Indians jumped over the Breast-Work, pursued the Enemy, slaughtered Numbers, and took several Prisoners, amongst whom was the Baron de Dieskau, the French General of all the regular Forces lately arrived from Europe….” And, in another part of the letter we find the following: “—The Baron says, his Major General was killed, and his Aid-de-Camp says, the greater Part of their chief Officers also: He thinks by the Morning and Afternoon Actions, they have lost near 1000 Men, but I can get no regular Accounts. Most of our People think from 5 to 600. We have about 30 Prisioners, most of them badly wounded; the Indians scalp’d of their Dead already near 70, and were employ’d after the Battle last Night, and all this Afternoon in bringing in Scalps, and great Numbers of French and Indians yet left unscalped: They carried off Numbers of their Dead, and secreted them.”

Page two contains more on the battle and its aftermath including a listing of the casualties and the number of troops in the battle including the French and Indians. It talks more about Mohawks bringing scalps from slain men in on poles to the camp. As news of this great victory got back to the American colonies, more troops were raised to be sent to General Johnson’s command.

Finally, I note numerous notices offering rewards for runaway slaves and indentured servants alike (see scan).

4 pp., complete and in very fine condition with just a couple of very old (and almost invisible) tape repairs (not sure they were even necessary). I simply can’t get over the amount of battle content in this remarkable newspaper. It’s an issue the fortunate purchaser will read over and over, like I did. This is truly the French and Indian War come “alive!”

$5,500.00

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under Colonial America, All Historic Newspapers

GEORGE WASHINGTON IN THE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR!

INDIANS ON THE WARPATH IN VIRGINIA! COL. WASHINGTON TO THE RESCUE!
MANY MORE TROOPS ARE NEEDED FOR THE WAR EFFORT
VERY SCARCE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR NEWSPAPER

The New-York Mercury
Monday, May 3, 1756

This excessively rare Colonial newspaper contains an anxious report that the French and their Indian allies are pushing hard on the frontiers, killing and scalping on the way, and concern is growing among the British and American Colonials. In what would be termed today as “Breaking News,” “Col. (George) Washington is endeavouring to collect some of the Militia together; with whom, and what Soldiers are here, he intends to scour the Woods, and find them out, if possible. If he does, I hope it will deter them (the enemy) from coming again soon, as we shall have several good Woodsmen with us, who are so dextrous with their Rifles, that they generally make sure of their Mark.”

The front page begins with, “An ACT for the more speedy levying of Soldiers for the Expedition against Crown Point.” It’s quite interesting to read, let me tell you! From Capt. Waggoner’s Fort in Virginia, there is a report that Lt. John Bacon “was kill’d and scalp’d by the Indians about 4 or 5 Miles from Cumberland Fort….” and more killings and scalpings. Other news tells of a meeting with the “Heads of many different Nations of Indians, at Onondago…” in order to incorporate the tribes with the Mohawks to strengthen their forces, and “….to secure and impede the former from murdering any more of our People, as ’tis evident they formerly practised.”

4 pages, folio, and in very fine condition which is special as I seldom find any papers from this era in such nice shape. Reports of George Washington in the French and Indian War are highly sought-after by collectors of autographs, manuscripts and newspapers. Plus, this paper will keep you up nights!

$3,750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under Colonial America, All Historic Newspapers

THE ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN!

SKETCHES OF THE ACTUAL KILLING OF THE PRESIDENT!
FULL FRONT PAGE ILLUSTRATION OF JOHN WILKES BOOTH, THE ASSASSIN!
PERHAPS THE SINGLE-MOST DESIREABLE ISSUE OF HARPER’S

Harper’s Weekly, New York
Saturday, April 29, 1865

Where do we start here? This is the famous Harper’s “Lincoln Assassination issue”–one of the toughest and most collected newspapers of the 19th century. The front page portrait of John Wilkes Booth with facsimile signature, is not to be forgotten, and it’s completely surrounded by the historic report of the assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC, the night of April 14. Two sketches on the fourth page show Booth shooting the President as he sat watching a play, and then running across the stage with the crowd screaming and pointing at him.

And, there’s more! The huge doublepage centerfold shows “Lady Liberty” sobbing over Lincoln’s casket with a Union soldier and sailor on either side crying as well. It’s just beautiful, and yet sad at the same time.

The issue also has other Civil War battle prints especially on landing troops near Mobile, Alabama.

16 pp., original and complete, and in excellent condition. This is the ONLY one I have in stock and they’ve become next to impossible to find anymore in nice condition. A cornerstone issue for any serious collection to be sure. First call gets it!

$2,500

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The Civil War, All Historic Newspapers

THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG! ALSO AMAZING SKETCH OF GEN. U.S. GRANT

TWO REMARKABLE ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG/
“THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG–BLOWING UP THE REBEL FORT HILL”

Harper’s Weekly, New York
July 25, 1863

Here are woodcut sketches of action in the Battle of Gettysburg showing Union batteries firing and troops marching in the center of the field! (You can gaze at these for an hour and not get bored!) An accompanying article is 1 1/2 columns in length packed with the action and horror that was Gettysburg–perhaps the deciding struggle of the Civil War when Robert E. Lee faced off against George C. Meade.

The front page shows a huge portrait of General Ulysses S. (”Unconditional Surrender”) Grant in uniform that begs to be framed. Inside, there are two full pages on the Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., including blowing up the Confederate Fort Hill–this just leaps out at you! And, as usual with Harper’s, there are other full page war illustrations, and exciting ads as well.

16 pp., complete and unedited. Superb, clean condition–a gem!

$795