[American Revolution] The Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, December 5, 1775

Newburyport, MA: John Mycall and Henry-Walter Tinges, December 5, 1775. Vol. II, No. 101. 4pp., folio, 15 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. A scarce newspaper title containing coverage from the first year of the Revolutionary War. A contemporary note written in brown iron gall ink at the top of the front page reads, "…The King has said he wouldn’t give up the British Crown if he could not bring America to submit to the supremacy of Parliament in year 1768…” The issue also contains much news of Revolutionary War events, highlighted by an inside page news report that the infamous British spy, Dr. Benjamin Church, has been publicly exposed and arrested by the American authorities.

Dr. Benjamin Church (1734-1778) served as the "Chief Physician & Director General" of the Medical Service of the Continental Army from 27 July 1775 to 17 October 1775. He was also actively involved in Boston's Sons of Liberty movement prior to the war. However, early in the Revolutionary War, Church was sending secret information to the British commander, General Thomas Gage, and when one of his letters into Boston was intercepted, he was tried and convicted of "communicating with the enemy."

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Folds, with areas of separation and adhesive repairs to some fold lines. Toning, soiling throughout. Edge and corner wear including creasing, chipping, short tears.