August 7, 1775 - "The Glory Which The Generals How and Burgoyne Have Acquired"
Britons at home in 1775 were anxious for news regarding the war in North America. Official accounts, along with letters from friends and loved ones, took weeks to cross the Atlantic. Once they arrived, they were read and shared, and if deemed newsworthy, published in one or more of England's many newspapers and magazines. The September 9, 1775, edition of the "London Chronicle" included several such stories. In one article, portions of two letters were printed describing "a most glorious victory obtained by the King's troops over the rebel army" on August 7, 1775, at Boston. Another revealed that "It is reported that the troops will not winter at Boston..." , as they were expected to relocate to either Rhode Island or New York. The two letters describing the engagement on August 7, one from "an officer" dated August 11th, and the other from a "gentleman" dated August 10th, were published anonymously. British General Thoma...