The XYZ Affair... John Adams...
Item #703578
April 23, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, April 23, 1798
* President John Adams
* Tensions w/ France
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with various documents and letters concerning the on-going XYZ Affair with France. One of the lengthy documents is signed in type by the Secretary of State, Timothy Pickering.
Page 3 has an address to the President from the merchant... See More
Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
America alters its Constitution peacefully...
Item #703545
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.Included are several letters signed in type by John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Madison & others. Also: "Description of a Visit to Mount Etna" among other articles. Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with ... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this news... See More
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782 Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by Paine during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1776 P... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
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
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
Item #703264
March 01, 1788
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
Death of John Hancock...
Item #703236
November 16, 1793
THE ORACLE, London, England, Nov. 16, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* American revolution patriot
* Declaration of Independence fame
The top of page 3 is headed: "American States" with a report from Boston noting: "On Tuesday morning, about eight o'clock, departed this life his Excellency John Hancock, Governor and Commander in Chief of this Commonwealth, ... See More
John Hancock signs an Act of the Mass. legislature...
Item #703218
August 07, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 7, 1783
* Governor John Hancock signed act
* State legislature of Massachusetts
Almost the entire issue is taken up with a lengthy Act of the state of Massachusetts, titled: "AN ACT, Laying Duties of Impost and Excise on Certain Goods, Wares and Merchandise therein described...". It is signed at its conclusion on page 4: John Hancock.... See More
Adams calls the first special session of Congress...
Item #703215
May 22, 1797
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 22, 1797 On page 3 under "SPEECH" is a report dated "May 16" which takes nearly 4 columns.
In the speech President John Adams discusses the increased tensions between the U.S. and France and informs Congress of the expulsion of the American minister to France. He also mentions future negotiations, and recommends various defense... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress, on the front page...
Item #703212
April 17, 1790
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 17, 1790
* First three United States Presidents
* Act of U.S. Congress signed in type
The front page features an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Also much reporting from Congress.
Page 3 has a report headed: "Assumption of State Debts".&... See More
Much on the XYZ Affair...
Item #703198
June 25, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Tremendous coverage of the on-going XYZ Affair with over half of the front page, and all of pages 2 & 3 containing various reports & documents relating to this event.
The XYZ Affair was a political and diplomatic episode in 1797 and 1798, early in the presidency of John Adams, i... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
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
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
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 th... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Pag... See More
John Hancock on the front page... Creating the State Department...
Item #703185
June 17, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789 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... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... 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
Jefferson's state-of-the-union address...
Item #702814
November 19, 1804
BOSTON GAZETTE, Nov. 19, 1804
* President Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 contains the state-of-the-union address of the President headed: "Message", signed in type at its conclusion: Tho. Jefferson.
A portion of his address deals with the new Louisiana Territory just purchased from France the previous year. One paragraph begins: "With the Indian tribes established within our newly a... See More
Acts of Congress signed by Jefferson...
Item #702779
January 29, 1803
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1803
* President Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
The First Barbary War...
Item #702755
February 05, 1806
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Feb. 5, 1806
* First Barbary War - Tripolitan
* President Thomas Jefferson
The front page, and page 2 contain a great wealth of information & reporting concerning the First Barbary War, which includes a; "Message" signed by the President: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Jefferson's annual message, with mention of Lewis & Clark...
Item #702736
December 06, 1806
NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 6, 1806
* President Thomas Jefferson
* State of the Union Address
* re. Lewis and Clark Expedition
Beginning on page 2 & concluding on page 3 is his lengthy address to the Senate & House of Representatives. This was his annual state-of-the-union address, prefaced with: "This day at 12 o'clock the President of the United States communicated, by M... See More
Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address...
Item #702705
March 14, 1805
BOSTON GAZETTE, March 14, 1805
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Inauguration - inaugural address
Page 2 has the lengthy: "President Jefferson's Speech" which is his inaugural address, introduced with: "This day, at 12 o'clock, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, took the oath of office & delivered the following Inaugural Speech..." which tak... See More
Jefferson, Louisiana, Jews, slave trade...
Item #702680
April 04, 1804
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 4, 1804 From shortly after the Louisiana Purchase, it's not surprising that there are several items within concerning it, with: "Government Of Louisiana" and another similarly titled.
Also a letter signed by Thomas Jefferson concerning Capt. Bainbridge and action at Tripoli. Also: "Execution of Two Jews" whic... See More
Selling land from the Northwest Territory...
Item #702679
October 22, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 22, 1800 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "An ACT to Amend the act entitled, 'An Act Providing for the Sale of the Lands of the United States in the Territory north-west of the Ohio and above the Mouth of Kentucky River" which is signed in script type: John Adams, and in block type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
A pair of issues on the impeachment of Judge Samuel Chase...
Item #702652
April 14, 1804
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, April 11 and 14, 1804
* Judge Samuel Chase
* U.S. Supreme Court
This is a pair of consecutive issues on the Impeachment of Judge Chase.
The front page of April 11 is mostly taken up with: "Judge Chase's Vindication" which includes to letter by Chase concerning his impeachment. The second letter carries ove... See More
The Leopard attacks the USS Chesapeake...
Item #702647
November 28, 1807
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 28, 1807
* USS Chesapeake-Leopard affair
Page 2 has two reports from the House of Representatives concerning the attack upon the USS Chesapeake by the British ship Leopard
The Royal Navy’s humiliating attack on the Chesapeake left many Americans clamoring for war, but there was little the ill-prepared United States could do to answer British aggress
... See More
Did Thomas Jefferson die in 1800?
Item #702636
July 09, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 9, 1800
* Death of Thomas Jefferson ?
Page 2 has an interesting report concerning the possible death of Thomas Jefferson. Headed: 'Of Mr. Jefferson", it begins: "The papers by the three last southern mails have brought account & contradictions of accounts of the death of Mr. Jefferson at his seat at Monticello..." followed by de... See More
On the Lewis & Clark Expedition, reported on the front page...
Item #702570
March 05, 1806
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1806
* Thomas Jefferson message to U.S. Congress
* First published information on Lewis and Clark
The front page has a nice "Message" to the Congress signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition, including: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to ex... See More
Jefferson is (finally) elected President...
Item #702568
March 13, 1801
MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 13, 1801
* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800
Page 2 has a notable report on the election of Jefferson, beginning: "At 12 o'clock the 35th ballot was taken, the result the same with that of the preceding ballot. At one o'clock the 36th ballot was taken which issued in the election of THOMAS JEFF... See More
Jeff Davis & fellow captives... Captured in women's clothes... Trial of the Assassins...
Item #702456
May 21, 1865
NEW YORK TIMES, May 21, 1865
* Confederate President Jefferson Davis
* Mention of him wearing women's clothes
* Abraham Lincoln murder trial
First column heads include: "DAVIS & CO." "Arrival of the Rebel Leaders at Fortress Monroe" "Jefferson Davis, Wife, Son & Two Daughters" "Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy&quo... See More
President Jefferson reports on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Item #702422
March 05, 1806
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 5, 1806 Page 2 begins with a message from the President to the House signed in type: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
A few portions include: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from its mouth to its source, and crossing the highlands by the shortest ... See More
The Louisiana Purchase...
Item #702421
November 05, 1805
LANCASTER JOURNAL, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5, 1803 A very notable issue as contained on pages 1 and 2 are the: "Treaty Between the United States & the French Republic" outlining the details of what we now know as the Louisiana Purchase, followed by two Conventions of the treaty which outlined the details of the payments to France. These documents were agreed to in Paris on April 30,... See More
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
Item #702244
April 23, 1787
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
Much on the coming Louisiana Purchase...
Item #701774
July 26, 1803
UNITED STATES ORACLE FOR THE COUNTRY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 26, 1803 The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with a very detailed discussion headed: "LOUISIANA - MEMORIAL On This Question, Whether it be Advantageous For France to Take Possession of Louisiana?
Keep in mind that France had purchased the Louisiana Territory from Spain in 1800 (not formally ceded to... See More
The XYZ Affair In 1798....
Item #701701
March 28, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 28, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams message
Page 2 has the "President's Message" to Congress indicating that the negotiations with France by the U.S. envoys have failed. In the message the President states in part: "...I perceive no ground of expectation, that the objects of their mission, can be accomplished,... See More
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #701700
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Af... See More
The fall of Richmond... Very graphic...
Item #701664
April 04, 1865
NEW-YORK TRIBUNE, April 4, 1865
* The fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital
* Terrific heraldic eagle & map for display
See the photos for this terrific and extremely graphic issue reporting the capture of Richmond, which essentially meant the end of the Confederacy. Lee would surrender to Grant at Appomattox just 5 days later.
The first column heads read: "VIR
... See More
* The fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital
* Terrific heraldic eagle & map for display
See the photos for this terrific and extremely graphic issue reporting the capture of Richmond, which essentially meant the end of the Confederacy. Lee would surrender to Grant at Appomattox just 5 days later.
The first column heads read: "VIR
1783 Washington's farewell orders to his Army... The treaty that ended the Revolutionary War...
Item #701554
December 01, 1783
THE BOSTON MAGAZINE, December, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
* Post American Revolutionary War
Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly difficult to find, let alone an issue from the Revolutionary War era.
This issue begins by printing the complete text of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the Un... See More
Washington responds to Congress' reaction to his annual address... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #701539
December 25, 1790
THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin
The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Re... See More
The lottery to keep Jefferson out of bankruptcy...
Item #701488
May 25, 1826
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 25, 1826
* President Thomas Jefferson
* To begin a lottery to raise $$
The front page has a nice for: "Mr. Jefferson's Lottery".
Late in life Thomas Jefferson was in financial distress and his grandson organized a lottery of his holdings in an attempt to hold on to Monticello for the family. But it would not work out that w... See More
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lexington & Concord...
Item #701477
April 20, 1875
NEW YORK HERALD, April 20, 1875 Acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War, with the Battle of Lexington & Concord, this newspaper includes on page 5 a print of the statue of "Samuel Adams" which was unveiled at Lexington.
First column heads include: "LIBERTY!" "Centennial Celebrations at Concord and Lexington Yesterday" &... See More
The Northwest Ordinance...
Item #701446
July 21, 1787
THE NEW HAVEN GAETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, August 2, 1787 A very significant newspaper as all of the front page & a portion of page 2 contain the complete printing of the Northwest Ordinance.
Considered to be one of the most significant achievements of the Congress of the Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 put the world on notice not only that the land north of the... See More
Dr. Deane's Election Sermon, 1794...
Item #701332
May 28, 1794
"A Sermon Preached Before His Honor Samuel Adams, Esq. Lieutenant Governor; the Honorable the Council, Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 28tyh, 1794. Being the Day of General Election". By Samuel Deane, a pastor of the First Church in Portland.
This pamphlet was printed in Boston by Adams and Larkin, 1794.
Original string binding with untrimm... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melanchol... See More
Dr. John Morgan defends himself as Surgeon General of the United States... Silas Deane's letter in defense of himself...
Item #701323
December 09, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Dec. 9, 1778
* Rare Revolutionary War American publication
New Jersey was the last of the 13 original colonies to have a newspaper. This is the volume 1, number 53 issue.
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & detailed letter: "To the Citizens and Freemen of the United States of America" signed ... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
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
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771
* Benjamin Franklin appointed agent
* Pennsylvania Assembly in London
Page 4 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus a... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- June 19, 1865 – The historical foundation of “Juneteenth”…
- Snapshot June, 1875 – Winslow Homer…
- The June, 2025 Newsletter from Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
- Where game history, moral philosophy, and educational theory collide…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
