American Forefathers
Please enjoy this abbreviated list of issues with content related to the forefathers of America (Washington, Franklin, Paine, Adams, and more). A more comprehensive list may be found at http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers.American Forefathers
Congress approves the conduct of General Washington...
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Oct. 22, 1782
* American Revolutionary ending events
* George Washington & Sir Guy Carleton
Page 3 has most of a column taken up with various reports from America, including four naval items datelined from New York. Also extracts from the Penna. Assembly, as well as a report from the U.S. Congress noting: "Resolved, that Congress ... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?
Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright pe... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Closing events of the Revolutionary War...
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, April 29, 1783
* American Revolutionary War - closing events
The front page has some reports concerning the negotiations for a treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War. Also reports headed: "America" which carry over to page 2 concerning various events in America, one bit noting: "...In January last, Col. Willet, with about 600 men... See More
Washington proclaims an end to hostilities in the Revolutionary War...
THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 9, 1783
* General George Washington letter
* Announcing the end of hostilities
* American Revolutionary War ending
Certainly the most significant content takes almost an entire column of page 3, which has George Washington's letter announcing a cessation of hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
It is prefaced with a note stat... See More
Washington's famous Circular Letter in which he tenders his resignation as Commander-in-Chief...
THE MASSACHUETTS GAZETTE or the GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, July 29, 1783
* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending
The entire front page, all of page 2, and a portion of page 3 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.
Washington's famous Circular Letter from the end of the Revolutionary War, in which he tenders his resignation as Commander-in-Chief... Much more on the war's end...
THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, August, 1783
* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending
ing the Revolutionary War. It contains a wealth of reports concerning the concluding events of the war.
Pages 1 and 2 have: "Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the American States". Another page has a lengthy list... See More
Washington's letter resigning as commander-in-chief...
Praise for an end to the war... Praise for Ben Franklin...
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1783 Page 2 has over half a column is taken up with: "The Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia & the Liberties thereof, to his Excellency the President and Congress of the United States". This address deals with the end of the war with England, one small bit noting: "...we beg leave to assure ... See More
Washington agrees to help establish a military force... Much on the end of the war...
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 18, 1783
* General George Washington
* United States military force
* Revolutionary War ending events
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken from (modeled after) one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in ... See More
George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy...
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, October 7, 1783
* Newburgh Conspiracy plan
* General George Washington
* Revolutionary War ending events
Both the front page and page 2 have nice, lengthy letters concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy of that time.
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
* The Treaty Of Peace (partial)
* John Adams and Ben Franklin (block) signatures
* Reports from New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston
Included is a portion of text headed: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" the text being just the b... See More
Washington's Farewell Address to the Army...
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783
"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead
A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of th
The treaty which formally ended the Revolutionary War...
THE NORWICH PACKET of the CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1783
* Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War
This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century with the handsome engraving of the ship.
Taking almost all of page 3 is perhaps the most significant document of the Revolutionary War era, being the complete text of th... See More
Many honors to George Washington and Nathanael Greene for their leadership in the Revolutionary War...
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783
* American victory in the Revolutionary War
* George Washington and Nathanael Greene
This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Natha... See More
Officers respond to Washington's Farewell Address... British evacuate New York City....
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Jan. 2, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell Address responses
* Loyalists escaping New York
The front page has a report from New York noting: "General Thomas Mifflin is chosen resident of Congress for the ensuing year, in the room of Elias Boudinot...His Excellency General Washington, by proclamation bearing the date the 4th instant, ... See More
Washington's historic farewell orders to the military...
THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey
Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rock... See More
Much on General Greene in the Revolutionary War... A Hawaiian canoe...
Another article of interest is: ... See More
Private citizen George Washington hopes to solve the Indian troubles...
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 19, 1785 The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from New York" which reports on the troubles with the Indians along the Ohio River. One big men lions: "...General Washington, who has now reduced himself to the rank of a private citizen, has offered to go to Nantucket... in the spring to endeavour to settle affairs, to hold a talk with th... See More
Gifts to George Washington from Virginia...
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785 Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.
Near the back is: "Intelligence..." with... See More
John Adams delivers his credentials to the King...
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price in the UK, a political reformer active in the cause of... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President: a day after report...
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the ... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 6, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention.
Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia datelined May 26 with the historic report: "Yesterday, at the State House in this city, seven states were ful... See More
One of the earliest appearances...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... See More
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
* Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company ... See More
The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declara... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle,... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronic... See More
George Washington through Andrew Jackson...
Presidential Collection I - covering 7 administrations...
Handsome masthead from the year the American government was established...
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
New York prepares for Washington's inaugural ceremonies...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789
* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president
Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower, and TWO of the Upper House wanting...it is expected there will be a ... See More
George Washington is elected President... Dr. Rush's "Moral/Temperance Thermometer"... Franklin letter...
* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War
Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of George Washington being elected the first President of the United States. The full text can be seen in ... See More
John Adams' Vice Presidential inaugural address... Earliest debates in Congress...
Among the articles within are: "Physical & meteorological Observations, Conjectures & Suppositions, b... See More
From the early months of our federal government...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 11, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Page 2 has much on an oration delivered by the Reverend William Rogers before the Penna. State Society of the Cincinnati, and: "...Towards the close of the oration, Mr. Rogers...observed...to blazon the mer... See More
1789 creation of the Department of War...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789
* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing
A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature ... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
Ben Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton...
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789 The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjami
Debating where the permanent Capital should be... Death of the President's mother...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 9, 1789
* Debate on Nation's capital location
* Mary Ball Washington death
* 1st president G.W.'s mother
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress in the House of Representatives..." with considerable debate on the Judicial Bill.
Half of page 2 (and some of page 3) are tak... See More
Washington signs two Acts of Congress... Finding a site for Congress...
MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* V. P. John Adams
The entire front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the "Act Registering & Clearing Vessels Regulating the Coasting Trade...", signed in script type: George Washington.
Nice page 2 discussion in Congress on proposed sites for the new federal government, a... See More
The Treasury Department is created... Where will the federal capital be located? Knox is Secretary at War...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 16, 1789 Certainly the most notable report is that found on the back page, where is printed in full: "An ACT to Establish the Treasury Department" taking nearly a full column, signed at its conclusion by the President: George Washington.
A very notable report on the creation of this significant department of the federal government. Ter... See More
Two items signed by George Washington...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 Page 2 has a letter to the House of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio...", which is followed by... See More
Hamilton & Knox to be on Washington's Cabinet... Setting federal salaries...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789 The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".
Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on setting the salaries for House & Senate members.
Page 3 has: "THE PRESIDENT has... See More
The Bill of Rights...
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
Two George Washington script signatures...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 10, 1789
* (2) President George Washington acts
* First year of his administration
Most of the first column of page 2 contains not one but two of the very desirable Acts of Congress each signed in script type by President George Washington and in block type by Vice President John Adams. This title was one of just a few to use the "script&... See More
With the plate of the Bastille... Washington returns from his tour...
* The Bastille in France w/ plate
* President George Washington
* New England tour return
* New federal government era
The issue begins with: "Description of the Bastile, in France" which still includes the full page plate of it (foxing & damp staining).
Also in this issue: "Webster's Essay on Reforming the Prese... See More
The President tours the Northeast...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789 This issue has much coverage of the President's tour of the Northeast, including a front page address of the town of Portsmouth to the President, followed by: "The Answer" signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 2 includes an: "Ode, Upon the Arrival of The President of the United States in the town of Boston", followe... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More























































