GEN. BURGOYNE A PRISONER AFTER BATTLE OF SARATOGA

providence-1778-mh.jpgBURGOYNE 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

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