Lot 21

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1777.) Journal of a Hessian soldier at the crossing of the Delaware, in the Boston-Gazette. Boston: Benjamin Edes, 25 August 1777

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(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1777.) Journal of a Hessian soldier at the crossing of the Delaware, in the Boston-Gazette. Boston: Benjamin Edes, 25 August 1777

Estimate: $700 - $1,000

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
June 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010



Journal of a Hessian soldier at the crossing of the Delaware, published in the Boston-Gazette.
Boston: Benjamin Edes, 25 August 1777
4 pages, 15¼ x 10 inches, on one folding sheet, with masthead engraving by or after Paul Revere; stitch holes, toned at folds, possibly washed, edges worn with slight loss; subscriber's name inked in margin.

On page 4, we find the translation of a December 1776 journal kept by a Hessian soldier stationed at Trenton, NJ at the time of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. The journal ends suddenly, two days before the surprise victory of Washington's Continental Army. The transcript closes with a sarcastic note: "It is much to be lamented that this elegant Journalist was disturbed in his literary labours." The journal was first published in the Pennsylvania Evening Post of 26 July 1777, and has only rarely appeared in print since. 

Also includes two reports from the Battle of Bennington, one written during the battle and another sent by General Lincoln two days later, plus extensive commentary. Brigham, Paul Revere's Engravings, page 201 (illustration of similar cut by Revere).

  • Medium: Boston: Benjamin Edes, 25 August 1777
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