Beschreibung:

Rivington's New-York Gazeteer; or the Connecticut, Hudson's River, New-Jersey, and Quebec Weekly Advertiser. New York, NY: James Rivington, October 12, 1775. No. 130. 4pp, 11.25 x 18.25 in. Rare American newspaper printed just six months after the start of the Revolutionary War. This issue contains local New York City coverage of the events occurring during the first phase of the war, including mention of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the arrest of Dr. Benjamin Church as a British spy, and the appointment of General William Howe as the Commander in Chief of the British forces. Dr. Benjamin Church (1734-1778) served as the "Chief Physician & Director General" of the Medical Service of the Continental Army from July 27, 1775 to October 17, 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." British Army officer William Howe rose to become Commander in Chief of British forces during the Revolutionary War. He was sent to North America in early 1775, arriving in May, just after the war broke out. Howe led British troops to a costly victory at the Battle of Bunker Hill and subsequently took command of all British forces in America from Thomas Gage in September of that year. Condition: Overall very fine condition. Few minor stains. Very light wear to edges, including few short tears/chips.