Triumphs & Tragedies
Triumphs & Tragedies
Death of George Washington's mother...
Item #697392
September 09, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 9, 1789
* Mary Ball Washington death
* President's G.W.'s mother
Pages 2 & 3 contain reports from the: "Proceedings in the House of Representatives of the United States", this being the founding year of the federal government.
Page 3 has an inconspicuous yet significant report: "Died--At Fredericksburg, Mrs. Washin... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
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
Maryland ratifies the federal Constitution...
Item #672908
May 29, 1788
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 29, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Maryland Ratification
Of the 8 inside page columns nearly half of them are taken up with the announcement & celebration of the federal Constitution by Maryland. A report datelined from Annapolis has near the beginning: "....the day appointed by the honourable convention of th... See More
Death of famed composer Gluck...
Item #619643
January 01, 1788
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 1, 1788
* Christoph Willibald Gluck death
* Classical music composer
* Italian & French opera
Page 3 has a report on the death of notice composer Christoph Gluck, beginning: "The death of Gluck, the celebrated musical composer who died suddenly of an apoplectic fit the 17th ult. at Vienna in his 73rd year..." with more, taking two-thi... See More
Report from a letter datelined at Monterey, California, 1786...
Item #690427
May 19, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 19, 1787 Inside has a very rare, early account of a visit to California as part of a voyage to explore the Bering Sea (off Alaska) by Jean-François de Galaup de la Pérouse. It notes in part: "...following melancholy intelligence imparted by one of the companions of Mons. de la Peyrouse during the latter's voyage round the world; it is... See More
Payments to Loyalists... Death of Tippoo...
Item #683375
June 27, 1786
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 27, 1786 Inside has: "American Loyalists" which notes: "On the report of the bill for granting the sum of 55,000 pounds as a temporary relief to the American Loyalists...desired to know...whether it was intended to allow such Loyalists as were in England during the times of the troubles in America the same as those actually on the spot... See More
Mention of "The Pretender"...
The Count of Albany's death report... woodcut ad...
Item #591473
March 09, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Edinburgh, March 9, 1784 Within this issue is a report of the death of the Count of Albany, which makes reference to The Pretender. Also included is a decorative woodcut ad for "Improved Milk of Roses". News of the day with period advertising are present throughout. Measures approximately 8 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches, complete in 8 pages, in good con... See More
Washington's historic Farewell orders to the military..
Item #671571
January 06, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to his Army
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: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783." It ta... See More
Washington's historic Farewell orders to the military..
Item #674664
December 27, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 27, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
Certainly the most notable content is a full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783."
It reads in part:... See More
Death of King George III's son...
Item #696684
May 08, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, England, May 8, 1783 The front page begins with a report of the death of King George III's four year-old son: "On Saturday last...died his Royal Highness Prince Octavius, his Majesty's youngest son, to the great grief of his Majesty and all the Royal Family." There is another reference to his death on the front page.
Four pages, good condi... See More
Congress proclaims an end to the war with England...
Item #700573
April 22, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 22, 1783
* End of American Revolutionary War w/ Britian
* U.S. Congress formally announces cease-fire
A wonderfully historic issue as page 3 contains the formal document by the United States Congress that put an end to the fighting in the Revolutionary War.
It is officially titled: "By the United States o... See More
Celebrating news of peace... Loyalists not happy...
Item #673948
April 05, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 5, 1783
* Revolutionary War ending w/ peace celebration
Page 5 has a notable report: "...Capt. Humphries, from New York to London...sailed from New York...and the Captain says that on the morning of the said day, peace was proclaimed at New York and Valley Forge, in consequence of advices from Europe; that the preliminaries had been signed the ... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
Item #694963
November 05, 1782
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
American government is broke... Huddy/Asgill Affair...
Item #673692
September 26, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 26, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
Page 2 has news headed "America" mentions: "...lately sent to wheedle the Eastern provinces into a submission to the intolerable extractions of the Congress for the further support of their tyranny, are returned empty handed." Also a letter from New York: "People here in general talk muc... See More
Fate of Col. Hayne... The Asgill Affair... Keep fighting, or not
Item #687347
May 02, 1782
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris.
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South ... See More
Just after the Revolutionary War...
Item #579451
THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE, London, April, 1782 Certainly one of the less common titles from the 18th century, formatted much like the more popular "Gentleman's Magazine". This was the first year of its existence, and it would publish until 1826. The first article is: "Anecdotes of His Excellency the Duke of Portland..." which includes a full page plate of him ... See More
Naval action in the Chesapeake... Mention of John Paul Jones... The Franklin Stove...
Item #678679
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1781 * Naval events in the Chesapeake Bay
* Rare John Paul Jones mention
* Benjamin Franklin stove illustration
"Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" has some nice talk concerning America & the Revolutionary War, including in part: "...that a treaty was entered into between the city of Amsterdam and Americ... See More
Battle of Green Spring... Great reports on the Revolutionary War...
Item #698072
August 14, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781 The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reducing Washington's present force & preventing its being recruited by new levies...... See More
Benedict Arnold... Victory at Camden...
Item #586957
August 04, 1781
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 4, 1781 Page 2 has a report which includes: "...that since some of Washington's letters were intercepted, discovering the intention of his army in conjunction with the French troops on Long Island to attack Gen. Clinton, a misunderstanding has taken place between Washington and the French General Rochambeau, which is expected will be of more good ... See More
On the Battle of Guilford Court House...
Item #696922
April 24, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 24, 1781
* Battle of Guilford Courthouse
* Greensboro, North Carolina
* General Charles Cornwallis loss
Page 2 has some nice war content. The 2nd column begins with: "By accounts from General Greene's army as late as the 24th ultimo, we learn that Lord Cornwallis is retreating towards Cross Creek and that o... See More
Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina... Cornwallis on the move...
Item #673253
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1781 * Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina
* General Daniel Morgan victory
* American Revolutionary War
Inside has commentary on a recent publication titled: "Monody on Major Andre" which notes in part: "This mournful & interesting Eulogium, consecrated to the memory of Major Andre, with the zeal of a religious enthusiast to h... See More
Much on events in the South: General Greene & others...
Item #697888
March 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 13, 1781 Most of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the: "Account of the Examination& Commitment of John Trumbull, for High Treason", some of the "rebel governor" of Connecticut who was accused of being a spy and who spent 7 months in a London prison.
Page 2 has a great wealth of cont... See More
Early reports on the fall of Charleston to the British...
Item #585440
May 23, 1780
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 23, 1780 Page 2 has: "...from the force carried out with Sir Henry Clinton to South Carolina, there is room to entertain the most favourable hopes of the success of his enterprise. With Sir Henry Clinton, from New York, went 7500 men..." with more (see photos). Elsewhere is: "...a letter from an Officer on board the brig Hawke off Staten... See More
News on the Revolutionary War...
Item #587827
April 27, 1780
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 27, 1780
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century America
* From The Enemy
Near the back is a column headed "America" with news taking over half the page & which includes: "Last Tues. night a party of the British troops embarked...they landed on the east side & surprised a body of the rebel troops, 34 of which were made priso... See More
Handsome, patriotic newspaper with war-related reports...
Item #687350
March 13, 1780
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 13, 1780
* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War
The masthead includes one of the more patriotic engravings of the Revolutionary War, described by the motto just under the dateline: "All Hands With One Inflamed, Enlightened Heart" showing 13 arms--one for each colony--joined by holding a... See More
Battle of Savannah... Captain Cook...
Item #653341
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780 * Siege of Savannah - Georgia
* Benjamin Lincoln letter
* Captain James Cook - South Seas
Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This... See More
Mentions the death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii...
Item #660188
January 01, 1780
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1780 The most notable content would be a report near the back concerning Captain James Cook's third voyage, beginning: "Capt. Clerke, of his majesty's sloop the Resolution...in the harbour of St. Peter and St. Paul Kamschatka...gives the melancholy account of the celebrated Capt. Cook, late commander of that sloop, with four of his private ... See More
British defeat in the South...
Item #592256
August 24, 1779
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 24, 1779 Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with a piece from the book of Genesis prefaced with: "The following beautiful Apologue in the Eastern stile was written by Dr. Franklin some years ago, with a view of reclaiming his countrymen in New England from that spirit of intolerance and religious persecution which were then so... See More
Latest news on the war, in a rare newspaper...
Item #697393
July 01, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 1, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #16 issue.
The front page has a report about the precarious situation of the American currency. Also a lett... See More
Latest news from the Revolutionary War in a very rare newspaper...
Item #695809
May 07, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, May 7, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue is volume 1, number 8.
Inside has a report from Charleston beginning: "Five deserters who came last week to Purysbu... See More
Putnam's account of the Battle of Horse Neck via George Washington...
Item #693762
April 22, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, April 22, 1779
* The Battle of Horse Neck
* Greenwich, Connecticut
* General Israel Putnam
* Gen. George Washington
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
This issue is volume 1, number 6.
The front page begins with a letter conc... See More
Benedict Arnold responds... Nice war reports... Paul Revere masthead...
Item #687315
March 25, 1779
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR, AMERICAN ORACLE OF LIBERTY, Worcester, March 25, 1779
* 18th century American publication
* Revolutionary War - Benedict Arnold
* Masthead by Paul Revere
This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era.
It is worth noting that the famed printer Isaiah ... See More
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason... Discussion of the American war...
Item #584495
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779 The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and ... See More
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason...
Item #584496
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779* Discussion of the American War
The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loy... See More
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason... Discussion of the American war...
Item #593710
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779* Abraham Carlisle & John Roberts
* Treason trials - Revolutionary War
The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebe... See More
Latest war news from the middle of the Revolutionary War...
Item #677118
December 26, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778 The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause ag... See More
First naval battle of the Revolutionary War between the British & French...
Item #678013
June 27, 1778
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778
* Naval conflict between the Belle Poule vs. the Arethusa
* British and French frigates - 1st naval battle
* Action of 17 June 1778
A very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give deta... See More
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War... On Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga...
Item #680364
March 07, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1778
* Surrender of general Burgoyne
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Most of the ftpg. is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Vi... See More
Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga...
Item #671586
December 08, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
Certainly the most significant content is the page 2 report on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a very much-needed victory for the American cause. Some of the reporting includes: "...arrived in town express...we are sorry to say that Government have re... See More
Masthead taken from Paul Revere... LaFayette joins the Continental Army...
Item #686745
July 31, 1777
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Massachusetts, July 31, 1777
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Lafayette join the Continental Army
* American Revolutionary War
The masthead featurese an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner insc... See More
New Yorkers pledge allegiance to the King...
Item #677636
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1777 * New Yorkers pledge allegiance to the King
* General William Howe proclamation
* Revolutionary War from the enemy
Near the back are several letters from the seat of the Revolutionary War in America, including: "Extract of a Letter from the Gen. Wm. Howe to Lord G. Germaine dated New York, Apr. 1, 1777" which talks of plans to des... See More
Benedict Arnold on the Battle of Quebec... Ethan Allen in irons...
Item #676625
February 22, 1776
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776
* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold report
* Ethan Allen in captivity
* American Revolutionary War
The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & ... See More
One of the more rare Revolutionary War titles... Battle of Bunker Hill... Patrick Henry... so much more...
Item #687318
October 06, 1775
STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication
Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 i... See More
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #691875
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill (2 accounts) - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title... See More
On the Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington named commander-in-chief.. So much more....
Item #687295
July 05, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports
Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for ... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Tarring & feathering for villains...
Item #687218
February 11, 1774
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, Feb. 11, 1774
* Pre Revolutionary War
* Tarring and Feathering
The front page has a brief item: "We hear that the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., is appointed to deliver the ORATION in commemoration of the Bloody Tragedy on the 5th of March 1770." which was the Boston Massacre.
Page 2 begins with a report of a man being tarred & f... See More
Creating the Committee of Correspondence...
Item #568278
July 13, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 13, 1773 An inside page has over half a column headed "America" with news reports from New York and Newport, Rhode Island, the former noting: "...from Surinam...who informs us that the disturbances with the Negroes at that settlement were settled by a smart engagement in which many of them were killed..." and also: "...letters from... See More
News from Richmond...
Item #690079
August 05, 1771
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Aug. 5, 1771
* Henrico County, Virginia flood of 1771
Page 3 has reports from the Virginia Gazette including: "...that they received daily accounts of the devastation occasioned by the late floods...have been swept away...Fourteen Negroes belonging to the estate were drowned..." with much more.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide m... See More
Dealing with a pirate ship...
Item #693217
March 07, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 7, 1771 Page 2 has: "America" with a report from Charleston concerning a fire at the wharf. Another page has a report from Newport, Rhode Island which notes: "...a large white-bottomed Bermudas built Sloop, had turned Pirate and captured a French schooner with 3000 dollars...and also robbed another. That an armed vessel was dispatched in qu... See More
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