How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

The New-England Chronicle: or, the Essex Gazette
Cambridge: Printed by Samuel and Ebenezer Hall, From Thursday, June 29, to Thursday, July 6, 1775. Printed newspaper. Folio. (4) pp. Ownership signature of Capt. Josiah Gilman at top of first page; largely separated along center fold; wear along edges, with loss in upper fore-edge of first leaf, affecting some text; loss in top corner of last leaf, affecting some text; residue in top corners and bottom edge of third-page from when mounted; foxing and toning. 

Newly appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington arrives in Boston to take command of the American forces.

On the second page is an address from the New York Provincial Congress congratulating Washington on his recent appointment, rejoicing "in the appointment of a Gentleman, from whose abilities and virtue, we are taught to expect both security and peace," and having "the most flattering hopes of success, in the glorious struggle for American Liberty...''; followed by Washington's response of the "highest gratitude".

On the third page is a lengthy letter from the Massachusetts Congress, congratulating Washington on his safe arrival, and applauding his appointment, and his disinterested virtue and patriotism. The letter then goes on to offer a picture of the Army then gathered around Boston, assuring Washington that they "will, at all Times, be ready to attend to such Requisitions as you may have Occasion to make to us; and to contribute all the Aid in our Power, to the Cause of America..." Washington's response follows, thanking them, and stating that "I only emulate the Virtue and publick Spirit of the whole Province of Massachusetts-Bay, which with a Firmness, and Patriotism without Example in modern History, has sacrificed all the Comforts of social and political Life, in Support of the Rights of Mankind..." 

At the end of the third-page is a report on the British casualties suffered at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The first page also prints part V of The Crisis, a pro-American journal printed in London, while the final page prints the controversial letters of Massachusetts governor Thomas Hutchinson.