Complete issue of the Massachusetts Spy or, Worcester Gazette from December 16, 1784, four pages, 11 x 18.5, printed in Worcester by Isaiah Thomas, with the masthead woodcut done by Paul Revere. The ornately illustrated masthead features the newspaper's title flanked by two-medallion shaped illustrations. At the top, "Thomas’s," appears in a ribbon scroll and beneath that is a star and Massachusetts Spy with flourishes and fern-shaped scrolls. The medallion to the left features an allegory of a Native American with a liberty cap and pole standing on one piece of land and pointing a spear towards a lion, presumably Britain, on a separate piece of land. Surrounding the image is the text “Liberty Defended From Tyranny.” To the left in an additional medallion which features two clasping hands in the center; above them is a dagger pointed upwards. Beneath them are three fleur-de-les in a shield and below that the text “Union.” Surrounding the image are thirteen linked rings, each with a star in the center.
The newspaper features news from London, reports on the Continental Congress, and coverage of some domestic affairs. On the last page is an excerpt from William Robertson's History of America. In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining and soiling, and a chip to the bottom edge of the last page.
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