(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Issue of the Virginia Gazette discussing John Hancock, the Continental Congress,...

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Issue of the Virginia Gazette discussing John Hancock, the Continental Congress, and more. 4 pages, 17 3/4 x 11 inches, on one folding sheet; disbound, minor edge wear; uncut. Williamsburg, VA: Clementina Rind, 8 September 1774

Oddly enough, there were three different Virginia Gazettes published during this period. This one was issued by Clementina Rind, one of the first female publishers in the colonies. She took over the paper from her late husband in August 1773, but suffered from poor health. She died on 25 September, just 17 days after this present newspaper was issued. On the first page is a long letter from Clementina Rind to her subscribers, in which she hopes that "Providence be pleased to restore my health" but implores delinquent customers to help her "lay something by for the support of her children." Other highlights include "Extracts from a Pamphlet, lately Published in London, entitled 'Considerations on the Measures Carrying on with Respect to the British Colonies in North America'" A correspondent from Newport, RI reports that "The delegates for New Hampshire are now in this town on their way to join the grand AMERICAN CONGRESS. God send them safe." Colonel John Hancock is discussed in a Boston report concerning the militia. A lively issue which leaves no doubt that the Revolution was near.