[British General John Burgoyne's letter recounting the Battle of Bunker Hill]. The New-England Chronicle. Or the Essex Gazette. Cambridge, [Massachusetts]; Thursday November 16 to Friday November 24, 1775. Printed by Samuel and Ebenezer Hall. Volume VIII [8], number 382. Four pages of a bifolium, 9.75" x 15". Unpaginated and printed in three columns. General Burgoyne describes the Battle of Bunker Hill and the destruction of the town: "We threw a parcel of shells, and the whole was instantly in flames... whole streets falling together in ruins to fill the ear...the day ended with glory, and the success was most important..." This issue contains a lengthy and historic accounting of the Battle of Bunker Hill from British General John Burgoyne to "a Nobel Lord", dated June 25, [1775]. The report gives an exacting explanation of the events, including the actions of Generals Howe, Clinton, Pigot, and Gage, which provides a fascinating look at the events from the British perspective. It reads, in part: "...Clinton and myself took our stand (for we had not any fixed post) in a large battery directly opposite to Charleston...thereby facilitating Howe's attack...they were also exceedingly hurt by musquetry from Charlestown...Howe sent us word by a boat, and desired us to set fire to the town, which was immediately done; we threw a parcel of shells, and the whole was instantly in flames...the hills round the country covered with spectators, the enemy all in anxious suspence; the roar of cannon, mortars, and musquetry, the crush of churches, ships upon the stocks, and whole streets falling together in ruins to fill the ear...the day ended with glory, and the success was most important..." The frontpage of this issue contains articles concerning the aftermath of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the siege of Boston. One report was sent from the Massachusetts House of Representative by James Warren on November 9, 1775 and illustrates the ramifications a British-occupied Boston has on administrative dealings. "Whereas the goal for the county of Suffolk is in Boston, which is now a garrisoned town in the hands of our enemies and cannot be used for the reception of such prisoners as shall be apprehended in the several towns in said county of Suffolk, saving the said town of Boston." Also on the front page is a selection of reports from London dating from August 23 to September 5, 1775. Among them is a mention of General Burgoyne's letter to Lord Stanley stating "that '20,000 men would be a feeble reinforcements to the army there in their present situation'". Page [2] includes a fantastic article from one A. Freeman addressed to "the worthy Officers and Soldiers in the American Army". It reads, in part: "Honour will crown every Defender of Liberty, your exertions in the cause of Freedom, guided by wisdom, and animated by zeal and courage, have gained you the love and confidence of your grateful countrymen...I doubt not that America will always find enough of her sons ready to flock to her Standard and support her freedom...the voice of your country is still louder and it is painful to heroic minds to quit the field when Liberty calls! and the voice of Injured Millions cries to Arms! to Arms! Never was a cause more important or glorious than that which you are engaged in...Persevere ye Guardians of Liberty! May success be your constant attendant...future generations, as they successively tread the stage of time, and taste the Joys of Liberty, will rise up and call you blessed." Freeman's letter serves as counterbalance to Burgoyne's description of the battle and details that the patriotic spirit was not diminished in the months after the loss at Bunker Hill. A fascinating issue illustrating the issues facing the nation at large, and Massachusetts in particular, following the outbreak of hostilities at the Battle of Bunker Hill. It is accompanied by an engraving featuring five oval portraits of Generals Warren, Stark, Putnam, Heath and Ward. Condition: Light expected edgewear. 2" split at top edge of integral fold. Contemporary ink ownership signature at upper left margin of page [1] from "Saml. Lane Esqr." Minor scattered soiling. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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