Pre-1800 American Titles
Pre-1800 American Titles
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
From the early months of our federal government...
Item #703712
July 11, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 11, 1789 Page 2 has much on an oration delivered by the Reverend William Rogers before the Penna. State Society of the Cincinnati, and: "...Towards the close of the oration, Mr. Rogers...observed...to blazon the merits of our illustrious Washington, the admired President of these United States--Whom God long preserve! In this short petition e... See More
Rare 18th century title...
Item #703694
June 30, 1797
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, June 30, 1797 A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798. This is volume 1, number 48 issue.
Page 2 has nearly a full column of reports from the: "Congress of the United States". Other news reports as well, including: "American Independence".
Four pages, minimal margi
... See More
Four pages, minimal margi
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British publication
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 T... See More
The South is complying with the hated Quartering Act...
Item #703648
August 10, 1767
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 10, 1767 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 1773 and the resulting Revolutionary War.
Refer... See More
George Washington on the front page...
Item #703616
May 10, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 10, 1797 The middle of the front page contains not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Such issues are scarce--particularly with more than one signature--yet increasingly desirable and very displayable as such.
Beginning on the front page & concluding on page 2 is a letter: "From Mr. Jefferson,... See More
Washington's Act of Congress consumes the entire front page... More inside...
Item #703612
August 07, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 7, 1790 The entire front page is taken up with the full text of: "An ACT for the Government & Regulation of Seamen in the Merchants Service" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is signed in script type by the President: George Washington.
This may be the only issue we've handled where an Act of Congress entirely consumes the fr... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress concerning General Greene... Indian troubles near Pittsburgh...
Item #703610
May 16, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1792 The front page has almost a full column Act of Congress concerning General Nathaniel Greene. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a report concerning trouble with the Indians in the Pittsburgh vicinity. Another item mentions: "...from the frontiers of the Union which mention that the hostile Indians had made s... See More
Great George Washington issue... Ben Franklin & John Paul Jones...
Item #703609
September 25, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin & more
The front page is mostly taken up with three Acts of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in script type: George Washington, and in block type by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. (printing crease deters some but causes no loss of type).
P... See More
Washington signs two Acts of Congress... Finding a site for Congress...
Item #703607
September 16, 1789
MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* V. P. John Adams
The entire front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the "Act Registering & Clearing Vessels Regulating the Coasting Trade...", signed in script type: George Washington.
Nice page 2 discussion in Congress on proposed sites for the new federal government, a... See More
Building & dedicating Fort Fayette in Pennsylvania... The Second Militia Act...
Item #703606
June 02, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1792
* 2nd - Second Militia Act of 1792
* President George Washington signs
* Fort Lafayette - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Major General Anthony Wayne
Most of the front page is taken up with a Act of Congress now known as the Second Militia Act, signed in script type by the President, Go. Washington on May 8, 1792.
It is officially entitled:... See More
George Washington and Samuel Adams...
Item #703605
March 14, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1795
* President George Washington
* Samuel Adams
The middle of the front page is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President; Go. Washington, one of which is authorizing the creation of a lighthouse at the entrance of Georgetown harbor, South Carolina.
Also on the front page is an Act of the Mass. legislatu... See More
Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and more...
Item #703600
April 28, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 28, 1792
* George Washington - Act of U.S. Congress
* Future presidents John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an Act of Congress concerning the creation of light houses, beacons, buoys & public piers, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by Th. Jefferson and John Adams. They are to b... See More
Very displayable: four George Washington script signatures...
Item #703599
March 30, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1796
* President George Washington - John Adams
* Four Acts of Congress signed in type
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 compen... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #703595
November 12, 1793
AMERICAN HERALD OF LIBERTY, Exeter, New Hampshire, Nov. 12, 1793
* President George Washington
* Rare 18th century publication
* Act of U.S. Congress signed
This title existed for just over 3 years. Brigham notes that only 3 institutions have this date in their holdings.
Page 2 has a document signed by the President: Geo. Washington concerning the recognition of a French deputy fo... See More
Three Washington script signatures on the front page...
Item #703589
April 09, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 9, 1796
* President George Washington - John Adams
Over half of the front page is taken up with three documents of the federal government with each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and two of them in block type by John Adams.
This was one of just a couple of newspapers which used the script type for presidential signatures, maki... See More
Concerning the state of the United States...
Item #703588
August 22, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 22, 1792 Over half of the front page is taken up with a continued series of articles headed: "Reflections on the State of the Union". Page 3 has a report concerning Lafayette, and the back page has an ad for a: "Six Dollars Reward" for a deserted soldier.
Four pages, very nice condition.
On the XYZ Affair, with letters from President Adams...
Item #703586
June 27, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
The first column has a brief document signed by the President: John Adams, as an introduction to a lengthy document regarding the XYZ Affair and relations with France.
Page 2 has yet another related document signed by: John Adams as well as one from the French diplomat, one of the princi... See More
Nice comments on Alexander Hamilton... Multiple John Adam's script signatures...
Item #703585
August 11, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 11, 1798 The front page begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One concerns suspending commercial trade with France due to the on-going XYZ Affair and the coming Quasi-War. The front page also has: "American Navy Spirt" with a list of 16 toasts: "Drank on board the Frigate Constellation at sea... See More
6 front page script signatures of John Adams...
Item #703584
February 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1798
* Presidents John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has six "Acts" each signed in script type: John Adams & in block type: TH: Jefferson. One of the acts allowed for compensation "...to the door keeper of the Senate, and his assistant; for their services during the late session of Congress."
A seventh a... See More
The Constellation & Constitution are almost ready... The ingrate Thomas Paine...
Item #703582
June 14, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797
* USS Constitution & Constellation
* United States Navy first warships
A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The Constitution, building here will be afloat the second week of August--She has upwards of 20... 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
Much on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703575
March 09, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, March 9, 1787
* Shays' Rebellion perpetrators
* Berkshire County, Massachusetts
The front page has a "Resolve from the Assembly of New York offering a reward for the apprehending those involved in the Shays' Rebellion. Page 2 begins with an "Order" by the governor of Mass. James Bowdoin, concerning the Legislature: "...congratul... 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
The King declares Americans are free & independent...
Item #703552
December 10, 1782
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 10, 1782
* American independence acknowledged
* By King George III of England (speech)
* Historic event that propelled U.S. freedom
Certainly the most notable content is that found on pages 2 & 3, the very historic speech by the King of England to his Parliament, dated Dec. 5, 1782.
In this notable speech the King declares that the Americans ar... 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
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
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 news... See More
John Hancock, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson...
Item #703520
January 30, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and have not taken arms against the King of Great Britain...... See More
Burgoyne on his surrender to General Gates at Saratoga... Washington's Proclamation to deserters...
Item #703518
December 08, 1777
THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777
* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty.
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from G... See More
Trial of Burgoyne over his surrender at Saratoga...
Item #703517
September 24, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778
* General John Burgoyne
* Surrender at Saratoga
* Revolutionary War
* British scrutiny in Britain
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
* General John Burgoyne
* Surrender at Saratoga
* Revolutionary War
* British scrutiny in Britain
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report beg
... See More
On the independence of America...
Item #703516
June 20, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 20, 1782
* American independence ?
* Revolutionary War Era
* In a patriot publication
The front page begins with a letter from the King of France to Count de Rochambeau concerning hopes for peace and events at the close of the Revolutionary War. Also a front page item: "Seasonable Thoughts" noting in part: "The conduct... See More
Printed by Benjamin Franklin, but without the imprint...
Item #703480
October 04, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753 A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French &... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703479
August 02, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 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 imprint... See More
Is England about to give up the cause?
Item #703347
April 04, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1782 Page 2 has continued reports from the House of Commons including relations with the American colonies. one bit notes: "...That it is the opinion of this house, that all our efforts to reduce America to obedience by force have been ineffectual, and have only tended to weaken this country & exhaust its resources...". And elsewhere: ... See More
Celebrating peace with England...
Item #703320
June 02, 1783
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783 One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a d
... See More
Over half of Thomas Paine's "American Crisis" Essay #2...
Item #703307
February 10, 1777
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777
* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by P... See More
Dr. Church's traitorous letter to the British... General Lee's letter to General Burgoyne...
Item #703299
January 04, 1776
NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776
* Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church
* British General Thomas Gage
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed: "Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne" datelined: &... See More
From not long before Cornwallis would surrender at Yorktown...
Item #703298
May 02, 1781
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1781
* Pre-surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War original
A very nice issue from just five months before Cornwallis would surrender to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The front page has a report: "In Council" at Phila. beginning... See More
Celebrating peace with England...
Item #703293
June 02, 1783
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War ending events
* Peace celebrations in Massachusetts
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. ... See More
Excellent account of the Sullivan Expedition...
Item #703290
October 13, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1779 The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a very fine & detailed account of the Sullivan Expedition. The report is signed in type by John Sullivan, who commanded the expedition.
This was a U.S. military campaign of the Revolutionary War, lasting from June to October 1779 against the
... See More
Negotiating a treaty with France... The war on Long Island in at Rhode Island...
Item #703279
August 13, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778 Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from Fishkill on the battles at Long Island & Staten Island, then a letter to General Heath... See More
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis&q... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776... See More
General Howe's offer pardon to those who return their allegiance to the King...
Item #703273
December 19, 1776
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776
* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown
Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had ju... 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
The Federal edifice: a famous engraving!
Item #703265
January 16, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, January 16, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of Massachusetts
* Pillars illustration - cartoon
This is one of the more 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 Independen... 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
Very uncommon 18th century title... France proudly announces they are now a Republic...
Item #703232
July 16, 1793
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 16, 1793 This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 1, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
Half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy report headed: "On A Well Regulated Militia". Following this is a: "Letter From the Minister of the French Republic to the Secretary of the Un... See More
Lengthy Jefferson report... Marie Antoinette is sentenced and beheaded...
Item #703231
January 15, 1794
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 15, 1794
* Marie Antoinette sentence & beheading
* Thomas Jefferson commerce report
* Secretary of State to U.S. Congress
This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 2, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
All of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report Of t... See More
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