The very historic Duche letter to General Washington... Battle of the Kegs...
Item #680789
February 19, 1778
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Feb. 19, 1778
* Jacob Duché - 1st chaplain to the Continental Congress
* Famous letter to General George Washington
* American Revolutionary War
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken after one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in the ot... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by John Adams...
Item #680460
August 31, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 31, 1799
* President John Adams
* Land Acts of Congress
The front page has two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type: John Adams. One is to authorize the sale of: "...certain lands between the Great and Little Miami rivers in the territory of the United States north-west of the Ohio...". Other items include: "Rumors of a N
... See More
* President John Adams
* Land Acts of Congress
The front page has two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type: John Adams. One is to authorize the sale of: "...certain lands between the Great and Little Miami rivers in the territory of the United States north-west of the Ohio...". Other items include: "Rumors of a N
Notice for INA, oldest stock insurance company in the United States...
Item #680382
June 14, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 14, 1793
* Notice for INA, oldest stock insurance company in the United States
The bottom of the bkpg. has a notice: "The Members of the Insurance Company of North America..." with more. INA is the oldest stock insurance company in the U.S., founded in Phila. in 1792. It merged to form CIGNA in 1982.
The ftpg. ... See More
Announcement that the Constitution has been created...
Item #680368
September 18, 1787
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, September 18, 1787
* First announcement that the Constitution of the United States has been finalized
* In regards to historic announcements in U.S. history, this is rivaled only by the announcement that the Declaration of Independence had been signed
A singularly historic newspaper. As collectors know the very first news... 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
A new town near Hispaniola...
Item #679946
June 06, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 6, 1767 Inside has most of a column headed: "America" with datelines from Philadelphia, New York & Kingston, Jamaica.
One report notes that: "...Gov. Seymour...had already planned a town which was to be built on the Grand Key, and to be called by the name of Shelburne. As these islands lie so contiguous to Hispaniola...is imagined... See More
Colonial Boston, with the Supplement issue attached...
Item #679116
June 06, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Under reports from London is: "...Letters from Boston, New England, mention that the late public spirit for establishing new manufactures was greatly subsided, the adventurers having met with nothing but disappointments in procuring materials, scarcity of money, & high price of wages." Else... See More
Early version of the Articles of Confederation...
Item #677958
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
... See More
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
Colonists will defend "the rights & liberties of America"...
Item #677676
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1775 The first five pages contain a lengthy report on: "...address to his Majesty respecting the Situation of Affairs in America" which includes: "...The army might proceed to hostilities, it might be defeated, the Americans might prevail, we might be for ever stripped of the sovereignty of that country..." with so much more.Ther... See More
Frigate United States' launch is delayed... Buonaparte Proclamation...
Item #677511
April 29, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 29, 1797 Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia noting; "The launch of the United States frigate, which was reported to be intended for tomorrow, will not take place till some future day..." with more detail.
The back page has a: "Proclamation" signed in type: Buonaparte concerning his victories in Italy.
Four pages,... 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
George Washington heads for home...
Item #677447
September 24, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Sept. 24, 1796
* President George Washington
* Going home to Mount Vernon
* Commodore Joshua Barney
Page 2 has a brief item stating simply: "Philadelphia--This morning the President of the United States set out for Mount Vernon."
Also a nice report concerning: "Commodore Barney, from a letter on board the frigate Harmo... See More
Trouble with the Indians...
Item #677256
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, (Philadelphia), October, 1786 The first article is: "Some Observations on the Structure of the Surface of the Earth in Pennsylvania and the Adjoining Countries..." which takes nearly 5 pages. Also within is the continued: "Sketch of the Life of the Late Nathaniel Greene, Major General of the Forces of the United States of America" which takes nearl... See More
Washington's concerns about apportioning numbers for Congress...
Item #677133
April 07, 1792
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 7, 1792
* President George Washington
* United States Congress
Page 3 has a letter from the President to Congress concerning his thoughts on apportioning representatives for the House according to the first census. Hid notes his two objections. Signed in type: G. Washington.
Four pages, untrimmed margins, nice condition.... See More
George Washington is elected President of the United States...
Item #677063
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
Nearly three-quarters of the front page is taken up with an address: "To ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Secretary of the Treasury of he United States". This is followed, on page 2, with a second analysis of America's financial situation.
But by far the most significant ite
... See More
Two script George Washington signatures...
Item #676983
September 02, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795 The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the response from the President, ... See More
Houdon's famous Washington sculpture... Washington is inaugurated...
Item #676826
March 01, 1793
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, March, 1793
* George Washington's inauguration
* Jean-Antoine Houdon's sculpture
The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back leaf contains news items of the day.
Among the news reports is a notable one from Philadelphia: "Houdon, the famous French sculptor, who paid a visit to this country ... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #676806
November 01, 1792
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, November, 1792
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Certainly the most notable content is President Washington's state-of-the-union address, found in its entirety at the back of the issue.
Headed: "THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" it is prefaced with a paragraph reading in part: "...the national legislatur... See More
Death of composer George F. Handel... George Washington in the French & Indian War... Foldout maps...
Item #676690
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1759 * Death of Handel (music composer)
* Very early George Washington
Near the back is an inconspicuous yet very significant report on the death of famed composer George Frederick Handel.
Under the heading: "List of Deaths for the Year 1759" is an entry reading: "Geo. Fred. Handel, Esq; a great musician. He was born in Ger... See More
Significant French & Indian War coverage... Jewish burial rituals....
Item #676676
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1758 The most significant article is headed: "American Affairs" with a dateline of Williamsburg, Virginia, July 7 which includes: "...that the Indians had lately killed & captivated 26 people between Winchester & Augusta court house...that a large body of the inhabitants, to the number of 300, were removed into Culpepper..... See More
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #676541
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
A great wealth of Constitution-related content...
Item #676198
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), August, 1788 Among the articles are: "Observations on the Evil Consequences Attending the Excessive use of Spirituous Liquors" "Thoughts on the Law Prohibiting Hogs to Prowl the Streets of Philadelphia"; a continuation of: "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by the Late Federal Convention" which takes over 6 1/2 pages;... See More
Letters by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #676179
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, July, 1787, Second Edition (1789) Among the articles are: "Remarks & Facts Relative to the American Paper Money, By Dr. Franklin" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Friend, on the Subject of the North East Storms" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend, Containing an Account of a Remarkable Whirlwind" "Letter from Dr. M. to... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #675250
June 12, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 12, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffer... See More
Confirming the treaty of peace is concluded...
Item #674650
November 13, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 13, 1783
* Treaty of Paris (peace) concludes
* End of the Revolutionary War
Page 2 has a report from Parliament concerning the work on the treaty to end the Revolutionary War, which includes a very historic statement. Bits include: "...The definitive treaties of peace between the Court of Great Britain and those of France and Spain and the Unit... See More
From the earliest months of its existence... Negro for sale...
Item #674043
March 23, 1797
PORCUPINES GAZETTE & UNITED STATES DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1797
* Rare 18th century American title
All previous issues we have offered of this uncommon title were from 1798-9 with the porcupine in the masthead, but this issue is from the earliest months of its existence with a much different masthead.
Various news reports of the day, heavy with advertisements inc... See More
Independence of America will destroy the marine power of England... A plan for capturing General Greene...
Item #673668
July 18, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 18, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 4 has a letter noting: "...urging the Councils of the State to give up to French & Congressional ambition the independence of American, and with it our best resources of commerce, wealth, and naval strength...For the wise maxims...of that Court...are 'that the independenc... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #673309
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* 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 of th
... 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 of th
Building lot for sale in the new federal capital...
Item #672412
August 11, 1791
DUNLAPS AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1791
* Washington D.C. land sale
* Early U.S. government
The front page has a nice ad datelined at "George-Town",= concerning the sale of a "...Number of Lots in the Federal City...". Mentions that the President of the United States approved the "...Sites for the Public Buildings pursuan... See More
Fear that the new government in America will fail...
Item #671777
February 13, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1784
* United States government to fail ?
* Post-Revolutionary War events
Page 4 has an interesting letter from Philadelphia to a friend in Glasgow noting in part: "Our government...is not yet well established; and I am really afraid that this country will experience some dreadful political convulsion before this desirable establishmen... See More
1798 Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #671759
March 29, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 29, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* 3 runaway slaves advertisements
The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads. The front page has a runaway slave ad under: "Ten Dollars reward" Two more appear on the back page. (see) News of the day and other advertisements.
Four pages... See More
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and more...
Item #670522
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1792 Articles include a continuation of: "A Continuation of the Reflexions on the Manufactures of the United States..." "Manners & Customs of the Hindoos" "Gallantry" "Account of the Bastille" "Hessian Fly" includes a list of 9 key issues, signed in type by: Thomas Jefferson among others; "Rev... See More
Washington crosses the Delaware... Franklin vs. Howe...
Item #670241
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1777
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
... See More
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
Indian troubles...
Item #670116
February 25, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 25, 1772 Page 2 has a letter from Philadelphia which begins: "In my last I informed you of the great apprehensions we were under of an Indian rupture, and I am now sorry to have occasion to confirm that disagreeable intelligence..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, foxing to the front page otherwise good.
Lord Baltimore arrives at Philadelphia...
Item #670114
July 28, 1733
THE DAILY POST BOY, London, England, July 28, 1733
* Early pest-control advertisement
The front page has reports datelined from Annapolis and Philadelphia, two items mentioning Lord Baltimore. Otherwise all news reports are European, with various ads on the back page.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 9 1/4 by 15 1/2 inches, a few stains, partial red tax stamp on the front page.... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #669851
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Coloni... See More
Great dislike of the Jay Treaty (designed by Alexander Hamilton) with England...
Item #669540
July 29, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795 Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". Also: "Proceedings of the Inhabitants of New Yo... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #669532
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of t... See More
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #669177
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their decis... See More
Great dislike of the Jay Treaty with England...
Item #669076
July 29, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". ... See More
Stopping the spread of Yellow Fever in 1798... A broadside "supplement"...
Item #668961
October 13, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 13, 1798
* Yellow fever epidemic in the East
The front page has: "A PROCLAMATION" by the mayor of Baltimore concerning the on-going Yellow Fever epidemic in the East and his efforts to prevent its spread noting: "...hereby forbidding the entrance into the city of Baltimore, or within 3 miles thereof, of all persons w... See More
U.S. is building more frigates...
Item #668936
August 03, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Aug. 3, 1798 Page 3 has the: "Answer to my Fellow Citizens of the County of Richmond, in Virginia" signed in type: John Adams.
Also a brief report: "At Philadelphia a 44 gun ship is building; at Portsmouth, a 20; at Newburyport, a 22; at Boston (expected) a 32; at Warren, a 20; and at several other ports."
Four pages, ha... See More
Ben Franklin letters...
Item #668878
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the French Translator of his Works".
The back page has an "... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1797...
Item #668740
April 07, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, April 7, 1797 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
All of page 2 is taken up with documents relating ... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668738
November 11, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1796 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has a chart of election results for Preside... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668735
November 18, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Pag... See More
Exchanging prisoners with the Indians...
Item #668173
January 24, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 24, 1795 Page 2 has a report noting: "...that an exchange of prisoners is to take place at Nashville...between the Southern Indians and the U.S. territory south of Ohio..." with a bit more.
The bottom of page 3 has one of the earliest ice cream advertisements we have seen in any newspaper.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small bind... See More
A magazine from 1790's Boston...
Item #667744
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1793 The front page has: "Thoughts On Social Intercourse" the text beginning: "Nobody but a blockhead proves tedious to a company. A man of the world presently comprehends whether he ought to stay or go; and knows too a moment the time it is fit for him to leave those who wish him at a distance..."with much more. The balance ... See More
The Swedes in the United States... Beware of counterfeit dollars...
Item #667706
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1788 Articles include: "The Life of John Winthrop" "An Essay on Civil Liberty, by Hume" "A Tract on the Unreasonableness of the Laws of England in Regard to Wives" "An Historical Account of the First Settlement of the Swedes in America" which takes 3 pages; "Origin of the Society Called Dunkards"... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #667457
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
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