Lot #522

The Boston Chronicle (December 21, 1767)

Description

First issue of an important colonial newspaper, with John Dickinson’s important dissertation against the Stamp Act and reports on the slave trade in Florida

The Boston Chronicle, December 21, 1767. Volume 1, Number 1, eight pages with Supplement. Announcement of the death of Sir John St. Clair, Quarter-master General of his Majesty’s Regiment, at his house in Elizabeth-Town, New Jersey. Report of assault of a soldier of the royal train of artillery. Letter II, Letter from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the inhabitants of the British Colonies; John Dickinson’s important dissertation upon grievances related to the then-repealed Stamp Act, and imposition of duties upon the Colonies to raise revenue, not regulate trade. The letter asks the ultimate question “whether the parliament can take money out of our pockets without our consent?” Discussion of “overtures of peace made by the Cherokees to the northern indians, are in a fair way of having the desired effect: at least it was thought the nations would agree, and that the other tribes would follow their example.” “The Creek Indians complain much of encroachments made on their lands and when told of the outrage committed by some of their people at St. Mary’s river, the head man answers: ‘If the governor cannot prevent the Virginia people (Crackers) from taking our lands, how does he think we can restrain our mad young men?’” Early report of slavery in Florida: “Capt. Savery just arrived from St. Augustine, in the brigantine Augustine packet, carried there 70 Negroes from Africa, the first ever imported directly from thence, into that province.” More reports about slavery in Florida, including the planned import of “upwards of 2000 Negroes” “to be imported from Africa.” Leaders of the Creek nation audience with SC governor in chief (Lord Charles Greville Montagu) to congratulate him on his arrival; “they sung the peace-song and danced the eagle tail dance, in honour of his Excellency.” Meeting between General Gage in New York and “chiefs and warriors of the Cherokee nation” who were in New York (en route to Albany) for the purpose of securing a “peace between their nation, the Cherokees, and the six nations of Iroqouis; details of the meeting and visit to the theatre.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Revolutionary War
• Dates: #612 - Ended July 14, 2021