The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
Item #709556
October 01, 1787
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787 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 newspaper.
Con... See More
News from the closing moments of the war... Thanks to Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others...
Item #704872
February 12, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1782
* American Revolutionary War closing events
* George Washington & Thomas Jefferson
The inside pages have various reports concerning the Revolutionary War, including: "...nothing but the utter destruction of the Carolinas was talked of by the ministry & their creatures; but since the French have b... See More
Wishful thinking on the fate of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #704706
January 29, 1782
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 Congr... See More
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #704385
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782
* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War
Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.... See More
The XYZ Affair...
Item #703579
September 03, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 3, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* President John Adams administration era
The front page and part of the inside pages have much content concerning the ongoing XYZ Affair with France.
Four pages, an archival repair to the bottom of the spine, a few other small & discrete archival mends, good condition.... See More
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
The XYZ Affair... Preventing mischief by dogs...
Item #703577
June 11, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 11, 1798 Page 2 has much correspondence & reporting on the XYZ Affair with France. Related to this is a page 3: "Bill to Suspend the Commercial Intercourse Between the United States & France".
Page 3 also has two curious Acts from Connecticut: "An Act, in Addition to & alternation of an Act entitled 'An Act for Preventin... 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
Travels of the "Chief"... USS Washington to be bought by the government...
Item #703214
November 19, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 19, 1798 Page 3 has a report from Baltimore concerning the travels of George Washington with a curious beginning: "This morning arrived in tow, the Chief who unites all hearts... escorted in by captains Hollingworth's & Bentalou's troops...had the gratification of being reviews bye him...to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spec... 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
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
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
Reports from the First Barbary War...
Item #701541
November 13, 1805
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1805 Close to half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed report on the on-going Barbary War, headed: "American Captives in Tripoli". It carries over to page 2 & is continued in a future issue.
Four pages, nice condition.
How to administer the new District of Columbia... The Barbary War...
Item #701472
June 08, 1801
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 8, 1801 Pages 1 and 2 contain: "An Act Supplementary to the Act entitled 'An Act Concerning the District of Columbia' " which concerns the regulations and laws that will be enforced in this new district.
Page 2 has a letter concerning Algiers and Tripoli, relating to the First Barbary War.
Four pages, slightly irregular at the blank... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by Adams and Jefferson...
Item #701161
October 27, 1800
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 27, 1800 The back page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: John Adams, and the Vice President: Th. Jefferson.
One Act is for: "...appropriations for the military establishment of the United States...".
Four pages, some damp staining, generally good.... See More
The First Barbary War...
Item #700656
October 02, 1805
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 2, 1805 The front page, and much of page 2 contain a great wealth of information & reporting headed: "War With Tripoli" which is on the First Barbary War.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the spine margin from disbinding, nice condition.
Cornwallis, the Marquis de la Fayette, & others...
Item #698851
June 19, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, June 19, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Inside has a few items relating to the Revolutionary War, including a bit noting: "...recommend unanimity, firmness and perseverance to the people of the American states as the British ministry are straining every nerve to enable Generals Clinton a... See More
Reaction to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #698644
March 26, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 26, 1782
* Reaction to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
Page 2 has some nice reporting on the military events further to the west, from a letter from Kentucky dated Dec. 6. It reports on the work of General Clarke near Fort Pitt, Colonel Loughrie, and some events near Detroit. ... See More
Preparing for the final events at Yorktown... Tragic case of Col. Isaac Haynes...
Item #698643
October 02, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Oct. 2, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Most of the front page is taken up with reports and correspondence concerning the case of Col. Isaac Haynes, the American officer hanged by the British for a controversial charge. One series of letters is prefaced with: "The following are authentic copies of su... See More
Much on the exchange of prisoners in prison ships... British have evacuated the South...
Item #698404
July 17, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, July 17, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Ship prisoners exchanged
* Southern colonies evacuation (British)
The front page has several letters from British Lt. Col. Balfour, most dealing with discussion for an exchange of prisoners with General Greene.
This discussion carries over to page 2 where is found a letter dat... See More
Jailed for support of the Americans... No independence for America...
Item #698402
April 09, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 9, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* America sympathizers jailed
* Independence ?
Page 2 includes: "The enemy in New York are busy in prosecuting their canal...They are also erecting a line of works on Long Island...His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON and his Lady arrived last Monday at Head Quarters, New-Burg,... See More
Battle of Green Spring... Great reports on the Revolutionary War...
Item #698072
August 14, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781
* Battle of Green Spring
* James County, Virginia
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reduc... See More
Much on events in the South: General Greene & others...
Item #697888
March 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 13, 1781
* Rare Revolutionary War title
* General Nathanael Greene
* Battle of Cowpens - SC
* Events in the South
Most of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the: "Account of the Examination& Commitment of John Trumbull, for High Treason", some of the "rebel governor" of Conne... See More
Terrific & displayable issue with front page discussion from London on the futility of the war...
Item #697887
April 30, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 30, 1782
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
A terrific front page as it is entirely taken up with reports of discussions in the "House of Commons" mostly focused on the Revolutionary War and the futility of continuing it.
A few bits include: "That it is the opinion of the house that the war ... See More
Responding to General Clinton's offer for a reconciliation...
Item #697636
April 03, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781
* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War
Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to ... See More
Washington's anger over the murder of Captain Huddy...
Item #697218
May 21, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782
* Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
* General George Washington angry reaction
* American Revolutionary War
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling si... See More
On the Battle of Guilford Court House...
Item #696922
April 24, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 24, 1781
* Battle of Guilford Courthouse
* Greensboro, North Carolina
* General Charles Cornwallis loss
Page 2 has some nice war content. The 2nd column begins with: "By accounts from General Greene's army as late as the 24th ultimo, we learn that Lord Cornwallis is retreating towards Cross Creek and that o... See More
The Siege of Ninety-Six and more military events in South Carolina...
Item #696741
August 28, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 28, 1781
* Siege of Nintey Six - South Carolina
* General Nathanael Greene defeat
* American Revolutionary War
Half of page 2 is taken up with a letter from Major General Greene in which he officers much on the Siege of Ninety-Six.
Additional reports carry over to page 3 with much more detail on the military event... See More
George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy...
Item #694966
October 07, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, October 7, 1783
* Newburgh Conspiracy plan
* General George Washington
* Revolutionary War ending events
Both the front page and page 2 have nice, lengthy letters concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy of that time.
The Newburgh Conspiracy was a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress, arising from
... See More
The oldest continually published newspaper in America...
Item #694549
May 13, 1808
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 13, 1807 This title has the distinction of being the oldest, continually published newspaper in America, now titled 'The Hartford Courant'. This issue is from the private collection, selected for inclusion because of the wide, untrimmed margins. Four pages, some light foxing, minor archival and at the spine, very nice condition.
Four issues from 1799, nice condition...
Item #690164
August 19, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 24, July 8, 29 & Sept. 23, 1799 Lot of 4 issues each with the back page having a portion of the very lengthy "Act to Regulate Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage", each portion headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Each complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, good condition.
On the resignation of General Burgoyne...
Item #689187
April 18, 1780
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 18, 1780
* General John Burgoyne resignation
* re. Surrender at Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page, two-thirds of page 2, and half of page 3 are taken up with: "...the various letters that passed between the late and present secretary at War and Lieutenant General Burgoyne... See More
Perhaps the best Cornwallis surrender issue we have offered...
Item #687093
November 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
A terrific issue as not only does it contain a fine account of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, but it consumes the entire front page, carries over to take most of page 2, with additional information on page 3 as well.
The front p... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686698
December 22, 1795
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Repre... See More
An Act for collecting duties...
Item #686168
August 26, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 26, 1799 Various news of the day from both America and Europe. Most of the back page is taken up with a portion of a lengthy (and continued): "An Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, minor archival mend to the back page, nice condit... See More
Act of Congress signed by President John Adams...
Item #686167
September 30, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 30, 1799 Close to half of the front page & some of page 2 are taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.
Two documents signed by Alexander Hamilton...
Item #686162
November 28, 1791
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Nov. 28, 1791 Mot of the front page is taken up with the French Revolution with a lengthy letter signed: Louis.
Most of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress, including a brief note to the House concerning expenses for the year signed by the Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton. This is followed by another letter signed: Alexander Hamilton with a ch... See More
Regulating the tariffs...
Item #686125
July 15, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 15, 1799 Two columns on the front page are taken up with "An Act to regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" continued in a future issue. It is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle.
The back page has over a full column report from the "War Department" seeking bids to supply rations to the mentioned mi... See More
The historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #686121
August 16, 1790
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 16, 1790
* Funding Act of 1790
Taking two-thirds of the front page and half of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress t... See More
Regulating the tariffs...
Item #686120
July 15, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 15, 1799 Two columns on the front page are taken up with "An Act to regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" continued in a future issue. It is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle.
The back page has over a full column report from the "War Department" seeking bids to supply rations to the mentioned mi... See More
Workings of Congress on creating the Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686046
May 18, 1789
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 18, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789
* United States Congress
* 1st major piece of legislation
One of the first priorities of the new federal government was creating a means of tariff revenues, of such importance that the resulting Tariff Act of 1789 was just the second Act approved by Congress. The Tariff Act would be approved on July 4.
But it is th... See More
Adams's inauguration: the peaceful transfer of power...
Item #682538
March 13, 1797
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 13, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* Thomas Jefferson
A very historic issue as it reports the true test of the great American republic: the peaceful transfer of power.
Page 2 has a report noting in part: "On Saturday at twelve o'clock...soon after his election, JOHN ADAMS as President of the United States attended in the Chamber of th... See More
Report of Cornwallis's surrender, and Cornwallis' letter in which he admits being in a critical state...
Item #658843
February 26, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 26, 1782 The most historic content is on page 3 which begins with a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germain, dated October 19, 1781. It contains in part: "...sailed from Sandy Hook on the 16th instant and arrived off Cape Charles the 24th, when we had the mortification to hear that Lord Cornwallis had propos... See More
Latest news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #658578
May 15, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 15, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
The front page has a brief item: "The American spy, mentioned a few days since, is taken at Harwich and will be examined before the Privy-Council. Many papers were found upon his person, touching a treasonable correspondence."
The front page also has some ... See More
Battle of Oswego and more...
Item #651385
May 31, 1814
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 31, 1814 Page 3 has: "General Orders" from Sackett's Harbor followed by a letter from Thomas Macdonough, Commanding U.S. forces on Lake Champlain, to the Secretary of the Navy" datelines at Vergennes. This concerns a battle on Otter Creek (see). Also: "The Attack On Oswego" with a lengthy report.
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Judiciary Bill...
Item #595159
February 15, 1802
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Feb. 15, 1802 Page 3 has a report from the "Senate of the U. States" concerning the Judiciary Bill, beginning: "The Judiciary Bill was called up & read a third time..." and ending with: "...And the BILL PASSED." The entire report is in an ornate, black border (see).
Four pages, very nice condition.
Alligator attack in North Carolina in 1816...
Item #219555
July 02, 1816
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 2, 1816.
* Woman killed by alligator in North Carolina
Page 3 has a report from Lumberton, N. Carolina about a woman attacked and killed by an alligator while riding across the Gum Swamp, with mention that the gator was killed later and measured eleven feet in length. Other news of the day includes: "Execution" "A Good Method of Destroying Crows"
... See More
* Woman killed by alligator in North Carolina
Page 3 has a report from Lumberton, N. Carolina about a woman attacked and killed by an alligator while riding across the Gum Swamp, with mention that the gator was killed later and measured eleven feet in length. Other news of the day includes: "Execution" "A Good Method of Destroying Crows"
1843 New Year's Carrier's Address...
Item #216973
January 07, 1843
SUPPLEMENT TO THE COURANT, Hartford, Jan. 7, 1843.
* Carriers' Address Poem
* Carriers' Address Poem
* Hartford, Connecticut
The entire front page and one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "New Year's Address to the Readers of the Connecticut Courant", which is the lengthy poem considered the "Carrier's Address" and typically found in the first issue of the year (see photos). Thi
... See More
1818 Northwest Expedition
Item #213486
December 01, 1818
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 1, 1818.
* Northwest Expedition
* Ship Isabella
* 1818
* Northwest Expedition
* Ship Isabella
* 1818
On page 3 under Northern Expedition is a very detailed letter from an officer aboard the ship Isabella, employed in the North-West Expedition. Mentions Wygatt Island, Greenland, Four Island Point, Disko, Riskoll, Woman Islands, Black Hook, and Sandersons Hope. Much about the weather c
... See More
1827 Fire Engines....
Item #212985
September 24, 1827
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 24, 1827.
* 1827 Fire Engines
* Hartford Connecticut
Page 2 has a report from a Windsor, (Vt.) Journal: Coopers Patent Rotative Fire Engine. Other news of the day includes: "Counterfeit Notes" "Destructive Fire" "The Frigate Hussar" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. 4 pages in nice condition.
... See More
* 1827 Fire Engines
* Hartford Connecticut
Page 2 has a report from a Windsor, (Vt.) Journal: Coopers Patent Rotative Fire Engine. Other news of the day includes: "Counterfeit Notes" "Destructive Fire" "The Frigate Hussar" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. 4 pages in nice condition.
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.