The Essex Journal and New-Hampshire Packet, July 12, 1776, printed by John Mycall at Newbury-Port (in 1775, when Isaiah Thomas fled from Newbury-Port to Worcester, John Mycall took over publishing The Essex Journal). The masthead features two woodcuts engraved by Paul Revere, both enclosed in Chippendale-style borders. To the left is a Native American in an outdoor landscape. He has a bow in his right hand and an arrow in his left; attached to his back is a quiver of arrows. The medallion to the right has a ship enclosed.
Contents include:
Declaration By His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Armies of the Thirteen Colonies in North America, on authority of the Continental Congress: "It is sufficiently known with what reluctance many British officers and soldiers enter into an odious war in support of tyranny, against the rights and privileges of their American brethren, and in direct violation of the British constitution, by which allegiance is no longer due, than protection is afforded; a war, prosecuted by an unwise king and implacable ministry, with circumstances of uncommon barbarity, cruelty and desolation, wherein they have dared to employ and tarnish the honor of soldiery" and thus he made an offer of lands to the officers and soldiers so quitting the service and settling in this country.
Flying Camp resolution of Congress—June 3, 1776 resolution to establish a "flying camp"—the term being a literal translation of the French camp volant, which, in the military terminology of the day, meant a mobile, strategic reserve. Skirmish at Sandy Hook lighthouse, June 1776, Col. Tupper and Major Brooks attacked the enemy at Sandy Hook. British landing on Long Island. "The Convention of Maryland have in effect declared for Independence, so that New-York is likely to be the last to do it, of the Thirteen United Colonies."
Thomas Hickey, executed for mutiny, sedition, and treachery—a soldier "in his Excellency General Washington’s guard, was executed" for aiding and assisting the enemy. Gov. Franklin of New Jersey, a loyalist, travelled through Hartford; "he is the son to Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the genius of the day, and the great patron of American liberty." Provincial Congress at Watertown—July 2, 1776 Resolution to acquire Leaden Window Weights, to allow procurement of a sufficient quantity of Leaden Balls.
"We hear from New York, that Gen. Howe sent a flag of truce in the king’s name to demand possession of that City—And that his Excellency General Washington very politely refused to comply with his requisition"—much more news from New York. Report from Williamsburg, Virginia, including letter of Mr. Stuart, British superintendent of Indian affairs, to frontier inhabitants, dated May 18, 1776, urging allegiance to King George and joining of his Majesty’s forces.
