Historic Newspapers: War of 1812

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1812  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 Frigate" which is a nice account of the capture of the…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Oct. 22, 1812

* War of 1812 deserters
* James Madison pardon

The first column is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress as well as: "A Proclamation" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, concerning the granting of a full pardon for those who have deserted from the Army. Each is signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 includes: "Western Army" and: "War Events".
Four pages, nice condition.

THE YANKEE, Boston, May 13, 1814  The entire front page & back page are taken up with: "Gen. Hull's Trial" on his court martial case (close-trimmed to a portion of the right margin clips some letters).
Inside has much on the War of 1812 including: "Indian Affairs" "From Lake Champlain" "From the N.W. Frontiers" "Highly Important" "From Lake Ontario" "Desperate Battle" "Loss of the Frolick" "The General Blockade" "Com. Perry's Dinner" "Commodore Perry" & even more.
Four pages, some foxing.

Backgrou…

SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNALs, Windsor, seven issue lot from 1800-1807  

* Rare 18th century American publication

Included are a blend of damaged and 2nd-rate issues. The dates are: July 29, 1800; May 24, 1803; Oct. 18, 1803; May 5, 1806; Oct. 27, 1806; Aug. 3 & Oct. 5, 1807.
Four pages. Sold "as is" at a significant discount.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 14, 1814 

* Early Erie Canal planning

The first 3 pages have a detailed report: "Internal Navigation - The Advantages of the Proposed Canal from Lake Erie to Hudson's River..." which would be the famed Erie Canal. It is signed in type by: Robert Fulton. 
Inside has almost 8 pages under the heading: "Events of the War" which includes a wealth of reporting on the War of 1812. Included are the "Minutes of a Council of War Holden at Sackett's Harbor…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 20, 1812  Two columns of the front page are taken up with: "A Proclamation" for a day of Thanksgiving in support of the war, signed: James Madison. As well as four Acts of Congress each signed by Madison, one: "For the More Perfect Organization of the Army of the United States".
Also within: "Federal Recommendation of the War" "Frontier News" "and page 3 has 3 documents concerning British living in America, one a: "Notice to British Subjects" and: "An Act…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 30, 1812  Page 2 has an interesting report, taking about half a column, beginning: "...proceedings at Buffaloe, of a Court Martial appointed to try Elijah Clark as a Spy. The facts which appeared at the trial are that the said Clark was born in New Jersey...he removed to Canada...must have become naturalized & a British subject. Clark, being found within the American Lines since the declaration of war--was arrested, tried, found guilty as a Spy, and sentenced…

CONNECTICUT MIRROR, Hartford, Jan. 16, 1815  Page 2 has: "Latest And Very Important Intelligence From N. Orleans", followed by: "Later From New Orleans". Both are dated December 17, 1814 with the latest reports from several weeks before the historic Battle of New Orleans would become a great victory for the American forces under General Jackson. 
Four pages, a stain to a lower portion of the right margin causing no loss of readability, otherwise a few minor stains, good condition.

CONNECTICUT SPECTATOR, Middletown, Jan. 4, 1815  Page 2 has a printing of an: "Extract Of A Letter From Thomas Jefferson" to William Dunbar at Natchez, dated in 1803. It begins: "Before you receive this, you will have heard through the channel of the public papers, of the cession of Louisiana by France to the U. States..." with more on this, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Also a report beginning: "A heavy firing was heard in the direction of Fort Niagara..." and then a letter from Augusta,…

CONNECTICUT SPECTATOR, Middletown, June 14, 1815  

* Dartmoor Prison massacre
* American prisoners

Page 3 has a letter with an early report concerning the Dartmoor Massacre, noting in part: "...I enclose you an account of the distressing affair at Dartmoor Prison...When we quitted that prison...we left there 5200 American prisoners..." with more detail, all taking half a column.
Four pages, very nice condition.

background: The letter featured in the June 14, 1815, issue of the Connecticut Spectator…

CONNECTICUT SPECTATOR, Middletown, July 12, 1815  

* Capture of HMS Penguin
* Tristan da Cunha
* Post War of 1812

Page 3 has nearly a full column taken up with: "ANOTHER BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORY, achieved by the U.S. Sloop of War Hornet, Captain Biddle, Mounting but twenty Guns, In the Capture & Destruction of his Britannic Majesty's Sloop of War Penguin...".
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background: The historical significance of this specific event lies in its status as the final ship-on-ship…

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, Jan. 26, 1815  

* Battle of Bladensburg
* War of 1812 Maryland

The front page has over a full column, & carrying over to take over half a column, with much detail on a Congressional report on the: "Battle Of Bladensburg", a significant defeat for the Americans in the War of 1812, paving the way for the British to march into Washington, D.C.
Inside has: "Loss Of The President Frigate", then a report: "From New Orleans" which includes a letter to a member…

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, Feb. 2, 1815  Page 2 has much on the: "Shipwreck Of The Sylph". Page 3 has: "Capture of the President Frigate" followed by: "Extract of a letter from an American Officer on board the British frigate Pomone, late of the U.S. frigate President...".
Then: "IMPORTANT....GLORIOUS NEWS!" which is breaking news reading: "I just heard a great huzza from Mr. Russin's. On inquiry, it appears a gentleman had just passed through...who states that General Jackson…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Sept. 14, 1812  Page 2 has some nice reports on the War of 1812 with: "British Barbarity" "The Navy Destroyed by Federalists" "The War" "The North-Western Army" "Military Movements" and more.
Four pages, various foxing, good condition.

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, (February, 1813) 
This is the "Appendix to Volume The Third" as well as the "Addenda to Volume The Third" which includes a great rarity for this title: a full page print of: "The Columbian Steam Engine".
This "Appendix" contains a wealth of documents which relate to events of trhe year 1813 but were too numerous and lengthy to be included in the weekly issues.
Articles include: "British View of the War" "Charter of Rhode Island" as well of the constitutions…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 13, 1813  Inside has; "Law of Ohio - An Act for the Encouragement of Volunteers in the North-Western Army of the United States"; a lengthy piece headed: "Live the Constitution" and over two pages under the heading: "Events of the War".
Among the subheads is: "North-Western Army" which includes a letter from General Harrison to Governor Meigs, datelined at Chillicothe, signed in type: Wm. H. Harrison. This is followed by: "More Particulars" with another…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 3, 1813  Page 2 has most of a column taken up with: "Invasion of Canada". Also inside are: "Protection & Allegiance" "British Monarchy" and the back page has: "The Capture of York, In Canada" (present-day Toronto), this report taking half of the page.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, several creases, tiny hole at one fold juncture.

SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 19, 1814   The front page includes; "Battle of Bridgewater" "Execution For Treason" & "District General Order". Inside includes: "Western Army News" "Call of Congress" "Lower Canada Frontier" "The War In The Chesapeake" "Ontario Fleet" "The War In Connecticut" "Military" "The Stonington Affair" and other War of 1812 items.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, margins near the top are browned, otherwise nice.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 14, 1814  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.

MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 26, 1813  Page 2 has nice reports on this historic capture of York, present-day Toronto, Canada. It includes a report headed: "Capture Of York - Official Account" beginning: "Sir--We are in full possession of this place after a sharp conflict..." signed: H. Dearborn.
This is followed by another much lengthier report also signed by Dearborn, and two reports signed in type by: Isaac Chauncey. Included also are the: "Terms of Capitulation...". 
Page 3 has…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1812   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 Frigate" which is a nice account of the capture of the…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 5, 1813  Much reporting on the War of 1812 with nearly 6 pages of accounts under the heading: "Events Of The War". Included are items from Mobile with a Proclamation signed in type by: James Wilkinson; a report with small heading: "Capture of York [Toronto], in Canada" with much detail. Other items include: "Blockade of the Chesapeake" "American Prizes" "Gen. Z. M. Pike", a report from Sackett's Harbor signed in type by: Z. M. Pike, and other items.
The back…

THE WAR, New York, Aug. 9, 1814 

* Battle of Chippawa
* Niagara Campaign 
* General Winfield Scott 
* Battle of Lundy's Lane

Most of the front page is taken up with a great account headed: "Battle Of Chippawa" which includes a letter signed in type by: W. Scott, Gen. 1st Brigade. There is also a front page letter datelined "Queenston Heights, July 16, 1814" with much on the war.
Page 2 has: "British Official Account" and "British Force in & Destined for North America". Page 3 includes: "Capture of…

THE WAR, New York, May 18, 1813 

* Battle of York (Toronto)

 The entire front page, and part of page 2, are taken up with documents headed: "Official Account of The Capture of York" which includes a prefacing document signed: H. Dearborn, plus a more detailed letter from York, signed: Henry Dearborn, and a lengthy letter from the U.S. ship Madison at York, signed: Isaac Chauncey, followed by the: "Terms of Capitulation" which carry over to page 2. This is followed by: "General Pike" which deals…

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…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 11, 1812 Over 1 1/2 columns on the front page contain: "Copies of Letters from Major General Van Rennselaer...to Major General Dearborn...". Over half of page 2 (and a bit of pg. 3) are taken up with the "President's Message" to Congress in which he reports much on the War of 1812. It is signed in type: James Madison.
Also inside: "Another Gallant Achievement" "Battle Of Queenstown" "Important!" and other items.
Four pages, never bound nor…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 5, 1813  Much reporting on the War of 1812 with nearly 6 pages of accounts under the heading: "Events Of The War". Included are items from Mobile with a Proclamation signed in type by: James Wilkinson; a report with small heading: "Capture of York [Toronto], in Canada" with much detail. Other items include: "Blockade of the Chesapeake" "American Prizes" "Gen. Z. M. Pike", a report from Sackett's Harbor signed in type by: Z. M. Pike, and other items.
The back…

THE WAR, New York, June 1, 1813  

* President of James Madison
* State of the Union Address
* Siege of Fort Meigs - Ohio
* War of 1812

The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the: "President's Message" which is signed in type: James Madison. In it the President announces the United States' acceptance of an offer by the Emperor Alexander of Russia to mediate a resolution to the conflict with Britain and his hopes that this negotiation will end the war quickly.…

THE WAR, New York, April 27, 1813  The entire front page is taken up with: "British Parliament - American Affairs" which carries over to page 2.
Inside: "Impressment of American Seamen" " which includes 3 affidavits; "To the Young Men of Ohio" "Northwestern Army" "Naval Memoranda" with the back page having letters from Baltimore, Fort Stoddard, Dover, Delaware, Ogdensburgh, Charleston & New London.
Four pages, 9 by 11 1/4 inches, minor foxing, nice condition.

This is a fascinating,…

THE WAR, New York, Oct. 10, 1812  The front page is entirely taken up with "Copies of Letters" including 3 signed in type: D. Porter, 2 datelined "at sea" and the third: "mouth of the Delaware"; plus a letter from Adm. J. T. Duckworth to David Porter.
Inside has a letter signed: Eben. Huntington; "Military Movements" "Surrender of Fort Dearborn, (Chicago)" "Appointments" and more.
The back page is almost entirely taken up with a great & detailed letter: "Defence of Fort Harrison, datelined from…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 4, 1816  Pages 2 and 3 are taken up with a very extensive chart of the: "LAND BATTLES" of the recently-ended War of 1812, columns headed "Place of Action" "When Fought" "Commander's Names" and more.
The top of page 4 has a chart: "A Comparative View of the Aggregate Loss of the American and British Armies in the Several Campaigns".
The back page has a nice item in memory of Captain James Lawrence, which includes his famous quote: "Don't Give Up The…

BOSTON PATRIOT, Nov. 28, 1812 

* Commodore Isaac Chauncey

Page 2 has: "Copy of a; Letter from Com. Chauncey to the Sec'y of the Navy" datelined from Sacket's Harbor in which he notes his military exploits and ends with: "...The officers & men under my command are all extremely anxious to meet the enemy. We cannot command success, but we will endeavor to deserve it."
Most of a column is taken up with reports from: "The Northern Army" with a nice variety of military reports from the War…

THE NATIONAL ADVOCATE, New York, Nov. 25, 1814  This issue has reports on the closing, climatic months of the War of 1812.
Content includes a letter from Jacob Brown on his work at the Niagara frontier, an editorial beginning: "In celebration of the anniversary of the evacuation of this city by the British, a military parade will take place..."; followed by: "Public Buildings ate Washington" noting in part: "...a bill making appropriations for repairing or rebuilding the public buildings in…

THE NATIONAL ADVOCATE, New York, Nov. 22, 1814  This issue has reports on the closing, climatic months of the War of 1812.
The front page includes: "A Proclamation" by the President for a day of thanksgiving & prayer, signed in type: James Madison. Also: "Fort Erie Evacuated and Blown Up", plus an Act of Congress also signed by the President: James Madison.
Inside has a variety of war-related articles including: "American Privateers" "Cruise of the David Porter" "Privateer Saratoga Arrived"…

THE NATIONAL ADVOCATE, New York, 1814  Here is a lot of 10 issues from during the War of 1812, each having a bit of war-related content but nothing significant enough for us to offer individually. Generally in nice condition, perhaps a few minor issues at margins.

Background: Step into the high-stakes atmosphere of a nation under siege with this rare collection of The National Advocate, New York’s premier pro-war voice during the climactic year of 1814. While the history books focus on the big…

SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Sept. 3, 1813  The front page is entirely taken up with the following articles: "Occasional Remarks On The Present Unjust War" "Geographical Description of the Lakes" "The War No Evil!" and: "Savage Warfare!"
Other War of 1812 items inside.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition. 

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 10, 1814  This is from a critical period in the War of 1812, as the British had taken this city just over 3 months prior, burning the White House, Capitol, and many public buildings.
Most of this issue is taken up with war reports, with most of the front page consumed by: "The Investigation - Report" concerning the conduct of American offers in the war. Other items are headed: "The Enemy in the Rappahannock" "Reward of an Intruder" "Correspondence…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1812  

* General William Hull
* Invasion of Canada success
* War of 1812

Much from the early months of the War of 1812 including: "British Navy--American Station" being a chart of their ships commanders, and size; "North-Western Army" which is a nice letter beginning: "When the army came to the foot of the rapids of Maumee  river, governor Hull not having received intelligence of the declaration of war...". Also a great letter from Zanesville, Ohio,…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 1, 1814   Among the articles are: "To the People of Virginia" "Legislature of Ohio--Governor's Message" "Proceedings of Congress" "Naval Law Case" & more. There are over 3 pages taken up with: "Events of the War" reporting on the latest news from the on-going War of 1812. Among its subheads & reports are: "Military--Fort George & Newark" "Naval" "Cruize of the Congress"; a letter from Stephen Decatur to the Secretary of the Navy; "Blockade of New London"…

LOUISVILLE DAILY COURIER, Kentucky, Sept. 7, 1861 

* Rare pro-Confederate title
* 1st year of the Civil War

 Louisville is difficult to categorize as Union or Confederate during the Civil War as, depending on the time, there were factions within the city supporting both. To placate both sides the two leading newspapers took their stands: the "Courier" was very much pro-Confederate & the "Journal" was more pro-Union. This is the pro-Confederate newspaper.
The front page has: "Hart…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 21, 1811  

* The Little Belt Affair
* Captain Arthur Bingham

The first 6 pages are taken up with a great & very detailed account of the Little Belt Affair, a naval battle between the U.S. ship President & the British ship Little Belt, an event which was a catalyst for the War of 1812.
Headed: "President and Little Belt" it includes a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 9 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
…

THE STAR, London, England, Sept. 29, 1814  There is so much fine War of 1812 content in this issue that most is seen in the photos; too much to detail here. A few highlights include: "As it is evident to all the world...that the present administration of the American government are wholly incompetent to carrying on the war, or making an honorable & speedy peace...". And: "Notwithstanding the clear unclouded moon...the light of the conflagration of our Navy-yard at Washington was clearly…

NEW YORK EVENING POST, March 31, 1813  

* USS Hornet vs. HMS Peacock
* Commander James Lawrence
* War of 1812 original reporting

Page 2 has a full column taken up with a very detailed letter signed in type: James Lawrence, commander of the U.S. ship Hornet, in which he recounts his naval exploits, perhaps the most notable being his taking of the British ship Peacock.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, good condition.

Background:On February 24, 1813, during the…

COLUMBIAN CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Feb. 2, 1813

* Great heraldic eagle masthead engraving

 Woodcuts of heraldic eagles in mastheads are somewhat common and are always an attractive feature of such newspapers. But this title offers an engraving far beyond the ordinary. The wingspread on this eagle measures 6 3/4 inches, the largest eagle we have seen in an early newspaper. 
As such this title is collectable for the masthead engraving alone, however it has War of 1812 content as well (see…

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.

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Connecticut, Nov. 30, 1813 

* Battle of the Thames - Fort Malden
* Shawnee leader Tecumseh killed
* William Henry Harrison victory

Much of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 has: "Gen. Harrison's Victory" which is a report on the historic Battle of the Thames in which Harrison defeated British forces, resulting in the death of the famed Native American leader Tecumseh and the end of his…

THE WAR, New York, June 7, 1814 

* Oliver Hazard Perry
* War of 1812 hero
* General Andrew Jackson
* Creek Nation War - Indians

The front page has: "The Creek Indians" which includes a letter from Fort William signed in type: Andrew Jackson. Also on the front page: "Tribute To Personal Valor" which is in honor of Commodore O.H. Perry; and "Naval Warfare".
Reports inside include: "Saucy Jack's Cruise" "Privateer Scourge" "Capture of the Pelham" "Important News" "Abdication of…

THE WAR, New York, May 17, 1814  

* General William Hull death sentence
* Cowardice and neglect of duty
* Pardoned by James Madison

The front page includes: "Convention For the Exchange of Prisoners" 'Proclamation of Blockade" which takes most of a column & is signed: Alexander Cochrane; "Trial, Sentence, and Pardon of General Hull" for his surrendering of Detroit to the British, which includes: "Sentence - The said brig gen. Wm. Hull to be SHOT to death..." but he was pardoned by the…