Unknown crew member’s ship log. ADM 55/122

Log of James King, Second Lieutenant. Catalogue reference: ADM 55/123

Satirical print entitled ‘Bunkers Hill or America’s head dress’ by Mary and Matthias Darly, Published: 39 Strand, London, 19 April 1776. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

The American Revolutionary War received much coverage, both in the colonies and the Mother Country. Many political satires were produced commenting on the futility of the war and the poor British effort. This source is one example of the political commentary that the British administration faced throughout the war effort.

Proclamation by John Earl of Dunmore, Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony of Virginia, 7 November 1775. Catalogue ref: CO 5/1353 f.336

Extracts from a letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Josiah Martin, 5 July 1775. Catalogue ref: CO 5/318 f110-112.

Josiah Martin, British officer, and last British Governor of North Carolina (1771- 1776.)

Extracts from a letter from Governor Josiah Martin to the Earl of Dartmouth, at Fort Johnson in North Carolina, 12 November 1775 regarding ‘difficulties with communications, land bought illegally from the Cherokees and land granted to new arrivals from Scotland ‘. Catalogue ref: CO 5/330 f.116-117.

Extracts from a letter from General Thomas Gage, Commander-in-Chief, North America to the Earl of Dartmouth, 25 June 1775. Catalogue ref: CO 5/92 f.187

Extracts from a letter from General Thomas Gage, Commander-in-Chief, North America to the Earl of Dartmouth, 22 April 1775. Catalogue ref: CO 5/92 f134-135.

From 18 and 19 April 1775, the battles of Lexington and Concord broke out, which were the first clashes between British and American fighters in the War of Independence.  The British attempted to disperse Massachusetts militiamen who had assembled around Boston to protect the harbour from being seized. For the British, Boston with its access to the sea was essential for the re-supply of men and munitions however difficult, by the threat of American ships.

Extract from a letter from General Thomas Gage, Commander-in-Chief, North America to the Earl of Dartmouth, 25 June 1775. Catalogue ref: CO 5/92 f.187d.

Extract from a letter from Edward Harvey to John Irwin, 30 June 1775. Catalogue ref: WO 3/5 p.37