Historic Newspapers: Search Results

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797  Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Recovery by surprise...".
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: This specific October 7, 1797 issue of the Columbian

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, MA, dated Jan. 16, 1822.

• Carrier's Address in 1822
• New Year's

The back page has a full column poem: New-Years Address Of The Carriers Of The Columbian Centinel, To Its Patrons, January 1, 1822. News of day includes: "More Piracy" "Another Mail Robbery" "Indian Department" and more. Several advertisements as well. 4 pages in good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 3, 1790

• George Washington and John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin

Over a full column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress which is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
 Page 2 also has much reporting from Congress. 
Page 3 includes: "Dr. Franklin--Leaves, in his Will, to the President, a gold-headed Cane with the

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 5, 1800

• John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
• re. the death of Patrick Henry

The front page has two Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson (hole in front leaf affects the first Adams signature). 
But more interesting is: "The Legacy of Another Dead Patriot of Virginia" which begins on the ftpg. & concludes on pg. 2 with a letter "To Archibald Blair" dated Jan. 8, 1799 and signed in

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1794

• President George Washington
• Three Acts of U.S. Congress

A great display issue as the front page features not one but three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
The first of the Acts is: "...to authorize the President of the United States in certain cases to alter the place for holding a session of Congress."
Four pages, some toning at the margins, never bound

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1812

• USS United States vs. HMS Macedonian
• USS Wasp vs. HMS Frolic

The middle of the front page has a nice letter under: "Naval Chronicle" headed: "Official Letter from Capt. Jones of  the Wasp sloop, to the Secretary of the Navy" which is official account of the naval battle which resulted in the capture of the British ship Frolic. The report is signed: Jas. Jones.
The top of page 2 has: "Our Country's Naval Glory" "capture of Another First Class English

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 25, 1798

• The XYZ Affair
• France relations
• Thomas Pickering

This is one of the better issues we have offered on the XYZ Affair, or Quasi-War with France.
Most of the front page is taken up with: "IMPORTANT STATE PAPER - Instructions to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, Envoys...to the French Republic". This detailed letter carries over to the back page where it is signed by: Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State.
Page 2 has a nice

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 29, 1797

• President George Washington acts
• Alexandra-Washington Masonic Lodge

On the front page under "Laws of the United States" are three "Acts" of Congress, each signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Also, on the front page under "Masonic" is an address from Lodge, No. 22, of the Ancient York Masons at Alexandria to the President, delivered during a meeting attended by Washington, and signed in type by James Gillis, the lodge Master. The President's gracious

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 19, 1799

• General George Washington death hoax
• President John Adams note refuting claim

Page 2 has a letter signed in type by the President: John Adams. Following it is a note which begins: "Some if the infernals who infest the United States have reported...the death of our beloved Fabius-Maximus, of Mount Vernon. the tale is false. Washington yet lives--and the God of all goodness still continues to bless him with health..." with more.
Four pages, minor margin

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 20, 1814

• Battle of Valparaiso
• Loss of the USS Essex
• Captain David Porter
• Battle of Chippawa

The entire front page & a portion of page 2 are taken up with an extremely detailed & lengthy letter being the: "Official Account of the Loss of the Frigate Essex", signed in type by its commander: D. Porter. This is followed by several letters between Porter & James Hillyar, the commander of the victorious British ship from the Battle of Valparaiso. 
Page 2 has other war

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 14, 1814

• Louisiana Purchase
• Thomas Jefferson

Page 3 contains an article headed: "Americans! Read This! " which is a critical piece against Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase of 11 years prior, relating to the creation of new states from that territory. Part of the article includes a letter: "From Thomas Jefferson to William Dunbar, of Natchez" datelined at Washington, July 17, 1803, signed by him in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 8, 1812  The front page begins with a rarely report event, headed: "Savage Attack on the Brig Otter". Taking over a full column is the: "Account of the Attack Made by the Indians of Chilcaaht on Board the Brig Otter, Samuel Hill, Master, April 12, 1811. This failed attack happened off the coast of Alaska.

Information is so rarely found that it is likely the only contemporary account is in this issue, as a site online notes: "On the return of the Otter to Boston

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 27, 1796

• President George Washington
• Mass. Governor Samuel Adams

The front page begins with a document: "Official By the President of the United States" concerning building codes for houses in the new city of Washington, D.C. It is signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Taking half of the front page is: "An Act for Establishing a Turnpike Gate on such Roads..." signed by the governor of Massachusetts: Samuel Adams.
Page 2 has a letter of "thanks" from the mayor of

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 7, 1822

• Construction of the Erie Canal

A page 2 report states that: "...the Great Dam across the Hudson, at Fort Edward, is completed, and filled...It is 30 feet high, and 900 feet long...It has been constructed to supply the Northern Canal with water. "
Then another report on the Erie Canal noting: "...that Stephen Van Rensselaer...engaged Professor A. Eaton, of Troy, to take a Geological and Agricultural Survey of the Great Canal...from Albany to Buffalo, a

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1794

• President George Washington
• Samuel Adams

Almost the entire front page is taken up with: "An Act Laying Certain Duties Upon Snuff and Refined Sugar" which is signed in script type at its conclusion by the President: Go. Washington.
This is followed by two Acts of the Massachusetts legislature, carrying over to page 2, each signed in type: Samuel Adams. Page 2 also has a letter from Capt. Brant to the Indian Chief Cornplanter, dated at Mohawk Village.
Four

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 18, 1820

• Very first "White House Wedding"

Listed under the page 2 "Marriages" is one that reads: "In Washington city, Samuel Lawrence Gouverneur, Esq. of N. York, to Miss Maria Hester Monroe, youngest daughter of James Monroe, President of the U. States." This was first wedding to be held at the White House.
Other news of the day includes: "Royal Funeral" "Missouri Expedition" "Bankrupt Bill" and more.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: The March 18, 1820

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 23, 1796

• President George Washington

Fully half of the front page, the two middle columns, are taken up with a lengthy treaty of peace and amity between the United States and Algeria, relating to the problems with the Algerian pirates capturing American ships.
At the top is: "Treaty with the Dey of Algiers" with the George Washington script signature, and at its conclusion is a document noting its ratification, also with a George Washington script signature.
A

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798

• President John Adams acts of Congress
• Thomas Jefferson and Increase Sumner

The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: "Important Message" signed in script: John Adams.
Four pages,

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1812

• War of 1812 declaration by United States
• President James Madison proclamation

In the last column of the front page is the very historic: "Proclamation" "By The President of the United States of America" & signed by James Madison, declaring that a state of war exists between the United States & England, marking the official beginning of the War of 1812.
Most of the balance of the front page is taken up with the very lengthy & detailed: "War Report" of the

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 26, 1794

• George Washington & John Adams
• Regulating French vessels in U.S. ports

The front page begins with an Act of Congress relating to French vessels taking refuge in United States ports. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
Page 2 has a letter from an officer in General Anthony Wayne's army relating to the Northwest Indian War and General St. Clair.
Four pages, never-trimmed

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 30, 1797

• President John Adams

Page 2 has a "Tribute of Respect" from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences written: "To John Adams, L.L.D., President of the United States of America" concerning an honor given to him. This is followed by: "The President's Answer", signed in script type: John Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine margin, good condition.

Background: The publication of this "Tribute of Respect" in the August 30, 1797, edition of

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 23, 1803

• The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
• Signed by U.S. & France ministers

Page 2 has: "By the President of the United States...A PROCLAMATION" calling for a special session of Congress, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
This is followed by a very historic report headed: "Louisiana - Official" which mentions in part: "Dispatches from the American ministers at Paris...contain the treaty, signed on April 30th which conveys Louisiana to the United States...The terms are,

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, EXTRA, (Boston, Nov. 27, 1824)  This is an interesting broadside (printed on one side only) "Extra" with no date in the dateline however a period notation at the top reads "Nov. 27, 1824" and two letters in the text have Nov., 1824 dates. The reports are entirely political. Folio size, single sheet, never bound nor trimmed, minor wear at the margins.

Background: The notable content of this November 27, 1824 Columbian Centinel "Extra" broadside centers entirely on

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794

• Thomas Paine stuck in France
• Luxembourg Prison in Paris
• During the "Reign of Terror"

A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France." 
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background: This

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 3, 1802  The front page has a letter to the "...honored Bey of Tripoli, of Barbary..." concerning the on-going Barbary War, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed by: Th. Jefferson concerning France, within which is a letter signed in type by: Bonaparte. Also has a half column letter to the legislature of Vermont, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, good condition.

Background: The publication of the January

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 27, 1817

• Grand Lodge of Massachusetts notice
• Masonic - Masons - Freemasonry - Freemasons
• The Elephant 'Columbus' engraving
• Asian Pachyderm from India on display
• First ever male exhibited in America

The front page has a notice for a upcoming meeting headed: "Grand Lodge of Massachusetts" Also contains the seal of the lodge. (see image)
Page 3 has a 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch notice for an exhibition of "The Elephant Columbus", which includes an engraving of an elephant. The

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798

• President John Adams acts of Congress
• Thomas Jefferson and Increase Sumner

The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: "Important Message" signed in script: John Adams.
Four pages,

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 12, 1814

• Great Caleb Strong illustrated ad

The front page is dominated by a very large engraving of a ship, part of a political notice in support of Caleb Strong for governor. Note that the flag on the tallest mast bears his name with political slogans on the other flags. Much text as well.

Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minimal foxing to the front page, very nice condition. A very displayable issue.

Background: This March 12, 1814 issue of the Boston

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1794

• President George Washington

The front page begins with a half column Act of Congress of the United States, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation - By Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Territory of the United States North-West of the Ohio" in which he cautions all residents: "...to observe a strict neutrality towards Spain, to abstain from every hostility against the subject or settlements of that crown..."

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798

• Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1803

• Historic Louisiana Purchase
• Expansion of the United States

The top of the front page has an historic notice headed: "Louisiana Treaty" announcing the ratification of the treaty by the Senate by which the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, referred to now as the Louisiana Purchase. It lists the names of the senators who voted against the treaty and those who voted in favor of the treaty.
This report is followed by the text of the: "Treaty

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:

CENTINEL EXTRA, (Boston), May 19, 1798  This is an uncommon 4 page "Extra" issue of the famous Columbian Centinel newspaper. Almost the entire issue it taken up with a lengthy document continued from the "regular" issue of Wednesday, concerning relations with France. Close-trimmed at the bottom of pages 2 & 3 cause some loss, otherwise in nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 31, 1818  The back page a rather small ad with a small heading: "GUITAR" reading: "For sale cheap--a new, elegant and superior toned English Guitar, together with instruction book, strings, etc. Inquire at the Centinel Counting Room".
Have you ever seen an earlier ad for a guitar?
The ftpg. has: "Indian War" being a lengthy report from General  E. P. Gaines, offering much detail.
Four pages, some light damp staining, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 31, 1818  This issue contains on the back page a rather small, classified-type ad with a small heading: "GUITAR" with the text of the ad reading: "For sale cheap--a new, elegant and superior toned English Guitar, together with instruction book, strings, etc. Inquire at the Centinel Counting Room".
Have you ever seen an earlier ad for a guitar? A folio-size, 4 page issue, complete and genuine. Some dirtiness at the edges, otherwise nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, from Boston, Massachusetts, dated September 26, 1829

• Married for 86 years

Page 2 has an obituary for Lazarus Rowe, of Limington, Me. This states he was 104 and married at 18, and that his wife died earlier in the year. Has details about his family and his military career. One of the oldest marriages on record.

Other news of the day with advertisements throughout.

First leaf has a piece missing in the upper right corner causing a bit of loss to the masthead and unrelated

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 19, 1799  Page 2 has a report: "News!" "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of The East" which includes a letter signed in type: Buonaparte. Other "Accounts From Europe" as well.
Among the back page ads is: "Ten Dollars Reward" for a soldier who deserted from the military.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the spine, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 3, 1796

• President George Washington
• re. the Jay Treaty

The ftpg. features an address "To the President of the United States" concerning the Jay Treaty, with his response signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Pg. 2 report from "The Mint" reports on the quantities of various coins minted. The back page has a commercial ad: "By Thomas & John Hancock".
Four pages, some stray ink marks on the back page, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1796

• Samuel Adams, governor of Massachusetts

The front page has a full column taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by its governor: Samuel Adams.

Four pages, some foxing, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 26, 1795  Page 3 has a small item prefaced with: "The following is the concluding paragraph of the answer of the President of the United States to the Chairman of the Norfolk meeting against the Treaty:" and what follows is the paragraph, signed in type: G. Washington.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, various small tears & archival mends near margins, some chipping at the top of the back leaf, some damp staining.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 22, 1791  The front page has the "Letter From Dr. Priestley, To M. Condorcet... at Paris." Page 2 has: "The United States" which begins: "Perhaps no country ever prospered so fast as the American States have done in the short time of two years..." with more on the rapid growth & development.
The front page has an ad for: "J. Flagg, Junior Surgeon Dentist" with details. Kane lists Flagg as the first native-born American dentist.
Four pages, very nice, clean

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 12, 1799

• Increase Sumner death
• Massachusetts governor

Page 2 has over a full column taken up with: "Arrangements For The Funeral Of the Late Governor Sumner" including the "Procession from the State House--Funeral Escort" showing the position of the "corpse" and the pall bearers (see). Nice to have in this title.
Four page, a few minor archival mends near margins, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1803  The ftpg. has a letter from the people of Plymouth to John Adams inviting him to a celebration of: "...the first landing of our Fore Fathers at this place.", with his response, signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, archival strengthening at the spine, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 10, 1799  The front page has an address from the Grand Jury of Morris, N.J., to the President, and his gracious reply signed in type: John Adams. Page 2 has an address from the citizens and inhabitants of the Mississippi Territory to the President, and his gracious reply signed in type: John Adams.
Also in this issue are: "Buonaparte's Expedition" and "Pennsylvania Insurrection" which relates to the Whiskey Rebellion (see).
Four pages, some perforated wear

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1792

• President George Washington
• Designing District of Columbia
• Federal buildings - Capitol

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress and a “Resolve”, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
Over 2 front-page columns are on: “Reflections On the State of the Union”.
Page 2 has a report from London on the: “Arrest of Mr. Paine”, being the famed Thomas Paine. Page 3

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1797  Most of the front page is "Important Documents" signed in type by: Timothy Pickering, concerning complaints arising from the treaty with England (Jay Treaty).
Other news of the day inside plus a great wealth of ads, several of which are illustrated.
Four pages, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 29, 1801

• President Thomas Jefferson

The front page has a "Remonstrance" of the merchants of New Haven, to the President, concerning the removal of the Revenue Collector & appointment of his replacement.
This is followed by: "The President's Reply" in which he justifies the action, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, December 2, 1820

• The Historic Green Dragon Tavern (Boston).
• The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts

The first column of the front page has 2 wonderful advertisements: one for a meeting which was to be held at the (now) historic Green Dragon Tavern, and the other for a meeting to be held by The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts (Masons).
Also present are illustrated ads for playing cards, fishing rods and shipping. Other news of the day and additional

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 21, 1796

• President George Washington
• John Adams - Acts of Congress

The front page contains not one or two, but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice Pres: John Adams. A very nice issue for display given these four Washington signatures on the front page.
Page 3 has a report referring to the Jay Treaty: "The people of the United Staters says...thaty all the noise about...the Treaty was

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 30, 1801  The front page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with: "Laws of the United States---An Act giving a right of pre-emption to certain persons...for lands lying...in the North West of the Ohio." signed in script type by the President: John Adams. Nice to have a script signature by the President on the front page.
Four pages, some heavy staining and some wear at the margins, reinforced along the spine, a 2nd rate issue at best.