The Gentleman's Magazine: For July, 1776

This very important edition of The Gentleman's Magazine was being read in London at the same time the American Colonies were declaring their independence. It is filled with news that made it clear a political explosion was about to occur.

Most importantly, it includes the proclamation of May 15th that set the stage for thirteen separate colonies to announce that they had become the thirteen United States of America on the following July 4th

The Resolution of May 15th that was signed by John Hancock on behalf of the Continental Congress that all but proclaimed American independence by declairing

"Whereas, it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good Conscience, for the people of these colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain, and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies;

Therefore . . . it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies . . . to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general."

(At the time, John Adams, who wrote the preamble to the resolution, remarked that as far as he was concerned, it was "independence itself, but we must have it with more formality yet.")

Other articles of interest include:

A continuation of the debate on the American Restraining Bill including the Prohibitory Act of 1775 that was in effect an economic declaration of war upon the colonies as it prohibited Americans from trading with countries other than Great Britain, authorized a blockade of American ports, and declared that any ships found trading "shall be forfeited to his Majesty, as if the same were the ships and effects of open enemies."

And additional "account[s] of the American Colonists since passing the Boston Port-Bill" that report the movement of military units and fighting between British regulars and the colonial militia.

Although a number of institutions hold bound volumes of The Gentleman's Magazine, the July 1776 issue is scarce outside of them. At the time of this listing, no other single issues are for sale in the trade, and there are no auction records listed at the Rare Book Hub.