1775 REVOLUTIONARY WAR MASTERPIECE
The London Chronicle: First British Accounts of Lexington & ConcordFeaturing the Historic Half-Penny Red Tax Stamp & Edmund Burke’s Conciliation Speech
Up for acquisition is an exceptionally rare, investment-grade primary source from the opening salvo of the American Revolution: a complete, original 1775 issue of The London Chronicle.
This monumental 8-page newspaper captures the frantic, firsthand British military and colonial perspectives immediately following the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775). Printed on durable, heavy 18th-century rag paper, it represents a remarkable structural survivor from the exact months the British Empire realized it was at total war with its American colonies.
CRITICAL HISTORICAL CONTENT & KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
The Battle of Lexington & Concord (Page 2 Eyewitness Letter): Prints a gripping, highly detailed report directly from a British officer stationed in Boston to his friend in London, dated April 20, 1775 (just one day after the battle).The officer writes: "General Gage detached a party of the troops... to destroy a magazine of military stores which the provincials had formed at Concord... we were soon discovered upon our march & the country raised an alarm..." (A spectacular contemporary British reference to the warning system triggered by Paul Revere’s ride).
The Turning of New York & "Melancholy News" (Page 2): Features an urgent dispatch from New York dated April 23, declaring: "This day we received an express from near Boston which brings the melancholy news of an engagement between the King's troops & the provincials to the disadvantage of the former..." It explicitly logs that 1,200 regulars marched to Concord, destroyed provisions, and ordered the provincials to lay down their arms before opening fire.
Frontier Retaliation & The New England Tory Manifesto: Contains a striking, aggressive counter-report from the colonies warning: "...as soon as we see the sword of Great Britain drawn against us, to sacrifice every New England Tory amongst us; to publish a manifesto with promises of protection & rewards to all the British troops that shall join in the cause of American liberty..." Includes further adjacent reports from William Franklin, the Loyalist Governor of New Jersey.
Post-Battle Back Page Fall-Out & The 25,000-Man Rebel Camp: The reverse page captures the explosive immediate aftermath across the colonies: "The late unhappy affair at Boston has had most amazing effects through every part of America... The whole city is arming..." It updates the British public that a provincial rebel camp of 25,000 picked men has already formed, and directly addresses the propaganda war: "The General & army are basely & meanly endeavouring to throw the blame of this late affair on the people, as being the first who fired; but the proofs to the contrary are so clear & evident..."
Edmund Burke’s Iconic "Conciliation with the Colonies" Speech: Beyond the battlefield action, this issue devotes immense real estate to printing the legendary speech delivered by Edmund Burke before the House of Commons, capturing the fierce debate dividing Parliament just before the onset of war: "America, Gentlemen say, is a noble object. It is an object well worth fighting for..."
CONDITION & AUTHENTICITY REPORT:
Original Red Half-Penny Tax Stamp: This issue features the highly coveted, original red half-pence tax stamp cleanly struck in the lower-left corner of Page 4. A definitive, official hallmark of authentic period British print media.
State of Preservation: Very Good condition overall. The paper remains remarkably strong, flexible, and non-brittle, characteristic of premium 18th-century rag stock. Displays light, honest surface rubbing to the front cover page and minimal, natural uniform age-toning. Typography remains dark, sharp, and entirely legible throughout.
SHIPPING & HANDLING:
Given the premier historical and financial value of this Revolutionary War artifact, it will be handled with utmost care. The newspaper will be housed in an acid-free, archival-safe sleeve and shipped completely flat between multiple thick layers of rigid, heavy-duty protective cardboard to guarantee a secure, bend-free transit. Sent via fully tracked, insured shipping with a signature required upon delivery.
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