Beschreibung:

Rivington's New-York Gazetteer; or, the Connecticut, Hudson's River, New-Jersey, and Quebec Weekly Advertiser. Hanover-Square, NY: James Rivington, November 16, 1775. No. 135. 4pp. 11.25 x 18.25 in. This is an exquisitely rare Revolutionary War newspaper title in and of itself. In addition, this issue contains front page headlines and a long detailed first report of the capture of Fort St. Jean in Quebec by American military forces, an inside page Proclamation signed in type by John Hancock in his position as President of the Continental Congress, and two slave sale ads. The Siege of Fort St. Jean (also known as St. John or St. John's) was conducted from September 17 until November 3, 1775. American forces led by Brigadier General Richard Montgomery attacked the town and fort of St. Jean in the British province of Quebec. The Continental Army successfully established a siege around the fort, but only after a number of failed attempts early on in September. Disease, weather, and logistics proved to be difficulties in the offensive; however, the Continental forces were able to penetrate the fort and eventually bring its defenders to surrender. Defenses persisted for a while due to their belief that General Guy Carleton would come to their aid, but when that attempt was thwarted and the Americans opened fire yet again, Major Charles Preston capitulated, giving up the fort on November 3, 1775. With Fort St. Jean out of the way, the American army was able to move on to Montreal, which fell quickly and without battle only ten days later. The proclamation signed by John Hancock and dated November 4, 1775 comes after a discussion of the House of Representatives about the Quaker presence in the colonies. The proclamation reads, "The Congress considering that the most perfect union between all the colonies is essentially necessary for the preservation of the just rights of North-America, and being apprehensive that there is great danger of hostilities being commenced at or near Wyoming, between the inhabitants of Pennsylvania and those of Connecticut, Resolved, That the Assemblies of the said colonies be requested to take the most speedy and effectual steps to prevent such hostilities..." A slave sale ad on page 3 reads, "For Sale. A Negro Fellow, 31 years old, an excellent Servant for a country Gentleman that would give him employ in the Farming way; has no fault, except a too great fondness for a particular Wench, in his old neighbourhood. Enquire of the Printer." Condition: Condition consistent with age of item, some brittleness/tearing at edges. Repaired crease.