Historic Newspapers: U.S. Presidents

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new provincial government. It is signed in type by the President: John Hancock.
This…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776 

 * News of the Declaration of Independence spreads
* Battle of Sullivan's Island - General Charles Lee 
* American Revolutionary War - great year to have 

 A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military service, with details. Page 2 begins with a report noting: "General Lee writes from Purrysburg...that…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the headings covering the war are: "Proceedings of the Army Under Gen. Howe" and "Proceedings of the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  

* Battles of Saratoga
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
* Germantown and Brandywine

The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778

* American Revolutionary War

 Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer terms of accommodation that would have satisfied all American demands except…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the measures pursued…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781  

* Rare Revolutionary War title from America

A very handsome issue as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with the words 'Appeal To Heaven" above him.
Most of the front page is taken up with a letter: "To the Inhabitants of…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under the "Historical Chronicle". It begins with an editorial comment: "Gen. Washington's letter to the President of Congress on the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis is truly…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781  

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under the "Historical Chronicle". It begins with an editorial comment: "Gen. Washington's letter to the President of Congress on the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis is truly…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 29, 1782 

* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown
* Revolutionary War

The front page is mostly taken up with: "An Ordinance Ascertaining What Captures on Water Shall be Lawful". This lengthy text carries over to take close to half of page 2 & is signed in type by: John Hanson, President of Congress.
Page 3 has some optimistic hopes from London including: "Though the croakers of politics be busily employed in…

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 period, JOHN DICKINSON, and other American gentlemen, and the speeches & publications of some patriots at home...They…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, April 19, 1783  

* John Dickinson of Pennsylvania
* Proclamation of the Cessation of Arms 
* End of hostilities of Revolutionary War

Over half of the front page is taken up with various dispatches concerning: "The Proceedings of the Federal Army near New Windsor, to Obtain the Redress of their Grievances".
This was called the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the…

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.

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 of the: "American Ships Taken" during the war. Another page has: "An Act for Forfeiture & ale of the Estates of Persons who…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 2, 1783  Page 3 has a report that the United States has further defined the powers of Congress to negotiating with countries, and: "...for making peace and war, for recommending the quotas of taxes, appointing foreign ministers..." and more. Also that General Carleton has advertised in the New York Gazette for flour to be: "...delivered at Long Island, & after the evacuation of that place, to the refugees at Nova Scotia...to reward their loyalty with every…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 2, 1783  Page 3 has a report that the United States has further defined the powers of Congress to negotiating with countries, and: "...for making peace and war, for recommending the quotas of taxes, appointing foreign ministers..." and more. Also that General Carleton has advertised in the New York Gazette for flour to be: "...delivered at Long Island, & after the evacuation of that place, to the refugees at Nova Scotia...to reward their loyalty with every…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1786  Included is a: "Topographical Description of Hastings in Sussex", England, which also includes a nice foldout plate; "Jew's Harp"; much on the: "Summary of Proceedings in the Third Session of Parliament"; and so much more. News the back is almost a full page of reports headed: "American News". Among the items here is an interesting item concerning a request from Mass. to secure armaments from the United States & a response as to why that cannot…

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 first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787  

* 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 of Philadelphia note that it cannot be definitively determined which of these two publications was the first to…

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 Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are likely the most historic 18th century documents to have in an American…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* United States Navy

Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea is the field on which we should meet an European enemy, on that element it is necessary we should possess some power...".
Also: "The Utility of …

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787

* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify

The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delaware met at Dover on Monday the third...and a House being formed, they elected James Latimer, Esq. President. On Thursday they…

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 items include the heading: "Commencement of Federal Government Under the New Constitution" followed by: "New York, April 1. This…

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 quorum this week.
All this time the working upon the federal State House has been unceasingly attended to--and…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789

* 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 the photos, however portions include: "The 4th of March, being the day appointed by the ordinance of Congress for…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789  

* John Hancock message
* U.S. Department of State

This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent election as governor: "...As my fellow citizens have seen fit to honor me with the office of Chief Magistrate it…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789  Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of this significant event found on page 2, datelined: "Extract of a Letter from New York, dated May 1" with the text giving more details on the inauguration than is found in…

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 of the Union" and is titled: "An ACT to Establish an Executive Department, to be Denominated the DEPARTMENT…

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 the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

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 Benjamin Franklin); a full page: "Letter from Dr. Franklin to

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 9, 1789  

* Mary Ball Washington death
* 1st president G.W.'s mother
* Debate on Nation's capital location 

Page 3 has a very nice obituary report on the death of the President's mother. Datelined: "Fredericksburg, August 27" it begins: "On Tuesday, the 25th let. died in her house in this town, Mrs. Mary Washington, aged 82, the venerable mother  of the illustrious President of the United States, after a long & painful indisposition, which she bore…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 16, 1789  

* Treasury Act of September 2, 1789
* Establishment of the Treasury Department 
* President George Washington signs 

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…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 

* President George Washington 
* Arthur St. Clair - Wabash Indians
* Federal government in its infancy

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 a lengthy letter on…

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 been pleased to nominate, & with the consent of the Senate to appoint, the Hon. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Esq. Secretary of the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 26, 1789  

* French Revolution beginning
* Storming of the Bastille - Paris

The most notable content is the lengthy, and terrific day-by-day account o the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille in Paris. Across France and the rest of Europe the consequences of the Revolution were huge. There were many new developments including the fall of the monarchy, changes in society with the rise of the middle class, and the growth…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 30, 1789  Certainly the most significant & historic content is the page 3 report that: "The President of the United States has been pleased to nominate, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, to appoint, JOHN JAY, of New York, Chief Justice..." followed by a list of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court as well.
Also of great significance are the other appointments listed: "Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Edmund Randolph,…

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 in its entirety as submitted to the states for ratification.
In September of 1789 the U.S. Congress passed and sent…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1789  The issue begins with the continuation of: "Letters from a Pennsylvanian on his Travels Into the Eastern States..."  which is very descriptive & which takes nearly 5 pages. Also the continuation of the: "History of the American War", and "Memoirs of the Bastille" which had recently fallen signaling the beginning of the French Revolution.
One of the articles: "On The Temperaments" still has the full page plate included. Rarely found.
Near…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789  

* President George Washington
* New England tour w/ many stops

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", followed by an article: "The Tour" with much great content and…

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 noteworthy address as it is Franklin's strongest moral statement on the subject of slavery.
Franklin did not speak out…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790

* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)

  A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G. Washington.
His address reflects upon the first year of the Presidency, beginning a tradition of addressing Congress at the conclusion of each year which continues to this day.
Also on page 3 is a…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1790 Among the articles are: "On the Use of Cosmeticks" "American Natural History...Of the Birds" & much more.
Near the back is a full page plate of music, as well as: "The Gazette" which has the latest news reports from Winchester, Va. New London, and Boston. Also a list of appointments by the President.
The plate called for is lacking.
Complete in 64 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, typical foxing, good condition.

Background: The February 1790 issue of The…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a discrimination under consideration...", carrying over to take all of page 2. 
Page 2 discussion includes: "...The amendment of the senate to the bill for enumerating the inhabitants of the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790  

* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census

The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was the Census Act, creating the very first national census, an event that would happen every ten years to this day. Included…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790 

* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson 

Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a cession of the Claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of Western Territory" with aims of becoming the…