The London Gazette. London: Thomas Harrison, April 2-5, 1774. No 11445. 3pp.

First printing of the Boston Port Bill that became law on March 31 in Parliament, which closed Boston's ports until restitution was made for the damage caused during the Boston Tea Party.

The act states in part:

Whereas dangerous commotions and insurrections have been fomented and raised in the town of Boston...by divers ill-affected persons, to the subversion of His Majesty's Government, and to the utter destruction of the publick peace, and good order of the said town; in which commotions and insurrections certain valuable cargoes of teas, being the property of the East India Company, and on board certain vessels lying within the bay or harbour of Boston were seized and destroyed...

The Boston Port Act commenced on June 1 and was one of several punitive measures known as the Intolerable Acts designed by Great Britain to maintain control over the colonies. Subsequently, the act proved to be the impetus that united the colonies, and by September 5 of the same year, the first Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia.

Overall very fine. Some toning along margins. Slight separation at central fold, near top edge, plus some chipping/loss along top of fold. Light stain top right corner. Stamp lower right.