Pre-1800 American Titles
Pre-1800 American Titles
Adams selects envoys to negotiate with France, plus their instructions...
Item #703979
April 25, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Page 2 begins with a document signed by President John Adams headed: "Full Powers" given to the ambassadors to France to whom he has given power to work out the details with the ongoing XYZ Affair and Quasi-War with France.
Following this document is the ve... See More
Letters to Washington & Franklin... Discussing the census...
Item #703798
February 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790
* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin
Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a discrimination under consideration...", carrying over to take al... See More
Two George Washington signatures in italics...
Item #703744
August 12, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 12, 1789
* President George Washington
* First year of his presidency
* Two signatures in italics
Much of the front page is taken up with: "Sketch of the Political State of America" which has interesting comments from the beginning months of the new federal government, signed: Americanus.
Page 2 has a message from the President... See More
The near-final version of the Bill of Rights, printed just ten days before the final version...
Item #703727
September 23, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, September 23, 1789
* U.S. Senate version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Printed in their entirety on the front page are the twelve proposed Amendments to the Constitution, to be known as the Bill of Rights. But note this version is slightly different from the final version that would appear in the Oc... See More
First state-of-the-union address by George Washington... In American-made clothes...
Item #703726
January 09, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790
* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)
A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G. Washington.
His address reflects upon the first year of the Presidency, beginning a traditio... See More
The first state-of-the-union address to be read to Congress in Washington...
Item #703666
December 11, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 11, 1799
* President John Adams
* State of the Union Address
* 1st at the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
Page 3 has the full text of President John Adams' state of the union address and is signed in type: JOHN ADAMS.
This was the first state-of-the-union address to be given before the joint session of Congress at the United States ... See More
On quartering troops, a paper currency for the colonies, and more...
Item #703655
June 29, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, June 29, 1767
* Colonial era paper currency
* British troops in America
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea party in... See More
Very displayable: four George Washington script signatures...
Item #703614
March 30, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1796 The front page features not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by: Go. Washington, President of the United States. Each is also signed in block type by the Vice President, John Adams.
One of the Acts is: "...for allowing compensation to the members of the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States..."... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson - script type signatures...
Item #703583
April 03, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 3, 1799 The front page contains two lengthy Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by: Th. Jefferson. Nice to have this famous duo together on the front page. Very displayable.
Four pages, various small tears at margins, some minor chipping at margins, somewhat fragile & should be handled carefully.... 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... 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
Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753 In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprin... See More
Criticizing Thomas Paine's writings...
Item #703477
January 23, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1779
* Thomas Paine - re. Common Sense criticism
* American Revolutionary War era Philadelphia
Two-thirds of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with an interesting, critical article on Thomas Paine's works. It is headed: "To The Respectable Public of America, On the Veracity of Common Sens... See More
The Boston Massacre: the definitive report in a London newspaper...
Item #703367
April 24, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770
* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a... See More
The Boston Port Act, in a London newspaper...
Item #703363
April 02, 1774
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774
* Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
* Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea
The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance is the page 2, 3 & 4 printing of the Boston Por... See More
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #703335
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778
* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War
This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include ... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
Item #703264
March 01, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronic... See More
Alexander Hamilton responds to criticism on the salary of the President...
Item #703221
November 30, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, November 26 and 30, 1795 A nice pair of issues as the first has the entire front page (and a bit of page 2) taken up with: "Explanation--By Mr. Hamilton, on the subject of a late attack upon the President of the United States and the former and present Secretary of the Treasury, in relation to the compensation of the President".
This lengthy report c... See More
President George Washington responds...
Item #703204
September 28, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 28, 1795 This issue features a nice, ornate masthead engraving.
Page 2 begins with a discussion on the controversial Jay's Treaty with England. Also: "Indian Negotiations", but the feature report is a letter signed in type by the President: G. Washington, headed: "Answer Of the President to the Chairman of th... See More
Governing the U.S. Navy... Admiral Nelson...
Item #703200
October 21, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 21, 1799
* Lord Horatio Nelson
* President John Adams
The front page has over 2 columns on the continued: "Act for the Government of the Navy of the United States", signed in type by the President: John Adams, & headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 is mostly taken up with reports from Europe including 2 letters sig... See More
Much on the XYZ Affair...
Item #703198
June 25, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Tremendous coverage of the on-going XYZ Affair with over half of the front page, and all of pages 2 & 3 containing various reports & documents relating to this event.
The XYZ Affair was a political and diplomatic episode in 1797 and 1798, early in the presidency of John Adams, i... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790 The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was the Census Act, creating the very first national census, an e... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
On the future prospects of the United States...
Item #701989
March 23, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, March 23, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
All of page 1 and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Observations on the Present Si... See More
Considering anti-slavery...
Item #701962
February 20, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 20, 1790 Most of the front page, all of page 2, and most of page 3 are taken up with detailed reporting on discussions in Congress, much of it concerning the public debt.
The back page has most of a full column taken up with "Letter No. 1" signed in type by: Rusticus, concerning the slavery issue. It begins: "I have see... See More
The XYZ Affair In 1798....
Item #701701
March 28, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 28, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams message
Page 2 has the "President's Message" to Congress indicating that the negotiations with France by the U.S. envoys have failed. In the message the President states in part: "...I perceive no ground of expectation, that the objects of their mission, can be accomplished,... See More
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #701700
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Af... See More
John Adams, John Adams, and John Adams...
Item #701631
September 08, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 8, 1798
* President John Adams
* Acts of U.S. Congress
The front page begins with 3 Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has an address of the Boston Marine Society to the President concerning the growing tensions with France, followed by the President's reply signed in type: John Adams. And the back ... See More
The Militia Act of 1792...
Item #701540
May 23, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 23, 1792 The front page contains in full the historic Militia Act of 1792, which allowed the President to temporarily take control of state militias in times of crises. It is titled: "An ACT to Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrections and Repel Invasions" and is signed in script type by the Presid... See More
Washington responds to Congress' reaction to his annual address... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #701539
December 25, 1790
THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin
The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Re... See More
The Citizen Genet Affair in 1793...
Item #701503
May 29, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 29, 1793
* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet
The front page has the Address Of The Citizens Of Philadelphia, To EDMUND CHARLES GENET, Minister Plenipotentiary From The Republic of France, To The United States", with his Answer signed in type: Genet.
Genêt served as French minister to the United States from 1793 to 1794. His activities in ... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Item #701466
February 13, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle,... See More
Paul Revere engraving in the masthead... Fine content on the Revolutionary War...
Item #701403
July 29, 1779
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR, AMERICAN ORACLE OF LIBERTY, Worcester, July 29, 1779
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War era
Of great significance is the masthead, as the embellishments and ornate lettering were engraved by none other than Paul Revere. This newspaper was published by the famed Isaiah Thomas, a staunch patriot during the Revolutionary War,... See More
England's last ditch effort to reconcile with America...
Item #701400
October 31, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778
* British last attempt - peace with America
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners t... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melanchol... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
Washington's Farewell Address to the army...
Item #701133
November 08, 1783
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Nov. 22, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
Taking over a full column on page 1 and a bit of page 2 is the historic document headed: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States" and datelined "Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783&q... See More
Reference to the Stamp Act...
Item #701127
March 23, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter mentioning: "...I know not with what ... See More
George Washington "signature" on the front page...
Item #700624
April 19, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 19, 1797 The front page contains an Act of Congress, taking close to a full column of text, being: "An Act for Raising a Further sum of Money by additional Duties on certain Articles imported; & for other purposes." which is signed in script type: Go. Washington. This was one of just a few newspapers that used the script type for signatures of ... See More
Four George Washington signatures on the front page...
Item #700623
April 26, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1797
* President George Washington
* United States Congress acts
The front page features not one, but four documents each signed by the President: Go. Washington, three of them are signed in the very desirable script type. One of the Acts relates to fixing the military establishment of the United States.
Four pages, very light damp staining at ... See More
Three "signatures" by Washington on his last day in office...
Item #700622
April 22, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 22, 1797
* President George Washington's last day in office
* Three Acts of Congress signed in script type
The front page contains not one but three Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The Acts are regarding duties on distilled spirits, one for placing buoys in Boston harbor, and one for setting the... See More
The historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement...
Item #700584
May 15, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any exception take... See More
A great, late 1700's American newspaper...
Item #700333
December 31, 1794
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1794
* During George Washington's administration
If you are looking for a very nice, typical American newspaper of the late 1700's, here's a great one for a modest price. A four page issue with a nice mix of news of the day and advertisements.
The front page has 2 runaway reward ads, page 2 has 12 illustrated ... See More
On the ineligibility of federal judges...
Item #700162
February 05, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 5, 1791
* First Bank of the United States
* Early American government
The entire front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the: "Debate on the Ineligibility of Federal Judges", in the Massachusetts Legislature. Page 2 has mention from "Congress" that the Act to incorporate the Bank of the United States was read the first &... See More
A Proclamation from the future King of France...
Item #699028
April 05, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 5, 1797
* King Louis XVIII of France
Page 2 has much on the situation in France and includes a: "Proclamation of Louis XVIII To The French Nation". He was brother to Louis XVI and spent much of his life in exile before becoming King of France from 1814-1824.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
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