Declaration Signers
The following issues have content regarding the signers of the Declaration of Independence. They are arranged in chronological order. Please enjoy.Declaration Signers
Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox", plus much more...
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Oct. 28, 1782
* "The Swamp Fox" Francis Marion
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead engraving for display
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 hav... See More
Some terms of the peace treaty are announced...
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 26, 1782 The back page has a very historic report presenting some of the terms of the peace treaty with a letter from Paris prefaced with: "While the Provisional articles are kept so profound a secret in London, the substance of them is well known & publicly talked of here: 'On the Part of Great Britain' That Great Britain irrevocably reco... See More
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
* The Treaty Of Peace (partial)
* John Adams and Ben Franklin (block) signatures
* Reports from New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston
Included is a portion of text headed: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" the text being just the b... See More
The treaty which formally ended the Revolutionary War...
THE NORWICH PACKET of the CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1783
* Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War
This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century with the handsome engraving of the ship.
Taking almost all of page 3 is perhaps the most significant document of the Revolutionary War era, being the complete text of th... See More
First election sermon preached after the Revolutionary War...
Pamphlet titled: "A SERMON, preached before His Excellency JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; governor; His Honor THOMAS CUSHING, Esq; lieutenant-governor; the Honorable the Council, and the Honorable the SENATE, and House of Representatives, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 26, 1784. Being the day of general election. By Moses Hemmenway, A.M., Boston, Printed by Benjamin Edes and Sons, M,DCC,LXXXXI... See More
Richard Henry Lee & John Hancock on counterfeiters... John Adams is ambassador to England... Vermont gains its independence...
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, March 10, 1785 The entire front page is taken up with the continued: "History of America, by William Robertson".
Page 4 has a "Proclamation by the United States..." offering a $500 award to counterfeiters, signed in type: Richard Henry Lee, who was President of Congress when it had recently relocated from Trenton t... See More
John Adams delivers his credentials to the King...
John Hancock resigns as President of Congress...
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1786 Included is a: "Topographical Description of Hastings in Sussex", England, which also includes a nice foldout plate; "Jew's Harp"; much on the: "Summary of Proceedings in the Third Session of Parliament"; and so much more. News the back is almost a full page of reports headed: "American News". Amon... See More
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price in the UK, a political reformer active in the cause of... See More
One of the earliest appearances...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... See More
Thomas Jefferson on creating a Navy...
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
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
George Washington through Andrew Jackson...
Presidential Collection I - covering 7 administrations...
Benjamin Rush's "Moral Temperance Thermometer"...State of Kentucky... Constitution of Georgia...
Near the back is "The Chronicle" with the latest news of the day including 8 pages of report unde... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
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
George Washington is elected President... Dr. Rush's "Moral/Temperance Thermometer"... Franklin letter...
* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War
Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of George Washington being elected the first President of the United States. The full text can be seen in ... See More
John Hancock on the front page... Creating the State Department...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789
* John Hancock message
* U.S. Department of State
This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent... See More
1789 creation of the Department of War...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789
* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing
A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature ... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
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
Ben Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton...
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789 The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjami
Washington signs two Acts of Congress... Finding a site for Congress...
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
Two items signed by George Washington...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 Page 2 has a letter to the House of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio...", which is followed by... See More
The Bill of Rights...
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
Two George Washington script signatures...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 10, 1789
* (2) President George Washington acts
* First year of his administration
Most of the first column of page 2 contains not one but two of the very desirable Acts of Congress each signed in script type by President George Washington and in block type by Vice President John Adams. This title was one of just a few to use the "script&... See More
The President tours the Northeast...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789
* President George Washington
* New England tour w/ many stops
This issue has much coverage of the President's tour of the Northeast, including a front page address of the town of Portsmouth to the President, followed by: "The Answer" signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 2 includes an: "Ode, Upon the Arrival of ... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
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
Letters to Washington & Franklin... Discussing the census...
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
First printing of the first Census Act...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
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 th... See More
Early report of the death of Ben Franklin, from a hometown magazine...
* Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown
Certainly the most notable report is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed this life, at Philadelphia, the venerable & celebrated Philosopher and Patr... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington, Jefferson, & Adams...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 3, 1790 Part of the front page, all of page 2 & nearly half of page 3 are taken up with the latest reports from Congress during this formative year. It ends with the note: "...A message was received from the President of the United States by his Secretary--with the ratification by South Carolina of the amendments proposed by Congress to ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790
* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a ... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress, on the front page...
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 17, 1790
* First three United States Presidents
* Act of U.S. Congress signed in type
The front page features an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Also much reporting from Congress.
Page 3 has a report headed: "Assumption of State Debts".&... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
On the funeral of Benjamin Franklin...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 28, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death FUNERAL
Almost half of the front page is taken up with a wonderful article headed: "Dr. Franklin" followed by a quote: "When an eminent man dies, it is worth while to enquire into the causes which conducted him to eminence..." The report goes on to heap praise on the late, ce... See More
A eulogy on the life of Ben Franklin...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy
The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" whi... See More
On the death of Benjamin Franklin... John Adams' Discourses on Davila…
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 26, 1790 Given the death of Ben Franklin just the month prior, it is not surprising that page 3 includes a poem titled: "Dr. Franklin".
Pages 2 & 3 contain various discussions from "Congress". Also included is part of one of John Adams' Discourses on Davila (#VII), which was concluded in the following issue.
Four... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington... Will of Ben Franklin...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790
* President George Washington
* Two acts of United States Congress
* Benjamin Franklin's will after death
On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proce... See More
The Copyright Act...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 5, 1790 A very significant issue for anyone in the publishing field, as page two has virtually an entire column taken up with the printing of: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned." which was the copyright act, signe... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1790
* Act of United States Congress
The front page begins with an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress during this formative year of the federal governmen... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Pag... See More
George Washington on the front page...
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress concerning a cession of land in North Carolina, signed in script type by: George Washington, and in block type by Thomas Jefferson & John Adams.
Four pages, some stains at the top quadrant, a bit irregular at the spine f... See More
Washington signs America's first Copyright Act...
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 17, 1790
* Copyright Act of 1790
* 1st federal copyright law
* President George Washington
A nice & very historic issue for display, as fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress titled: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Co... See More
Much on George Washington...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 28, 1790
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 contains an "Address of the Providence Assoc. of Merchants to the President..." with "The President's Answer" signed by him in type: George Washington.
Page 2 also has a letter from the governor of Georgia to Alexander M'Gillivrar... See More
A 4-issue set re: the historic Funding Act of 1790... Alexander Hamilton...
(A 4-issue set) GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790
The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).
• Unite... See More
This historic Funding Act of 1790...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* President George Washington signs
* Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Taking about a full page of text, including almost all 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 w... See More
The historic Funding Act of 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
Act of Congress signed by Washington, Jefferson and Adams...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 21, 1790 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "Philosophical Reflections on the Late Revolution in France".
Page 2 has a very nice Act of Congress for: "...making provision for the reduction of the Public "Debt." which is headed by an ornate heraldic eagle engraving, some ornate letters, and is signed in type by the President: George Washi... See More
Signed by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Hamilton... On the death of Ben Franklin...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 25, 1790 Page 2 has an item from the National Assembly of France which begins: "M. Mirabeau rose, & made a funeral panegyric on Dr. Franklin. 'Franklin is dead--the man who emancipated America--the Sage who was the ornament of the two worlds..." with more.
Page 3 contains "An Act Authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the Light Hou
Ben Franklin letters...
* Benjamin Franklin letters
* Dangerous lightning deaths
A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.
Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the ... See More
George Washington... Alexander Hamilton...
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 1, 1790 The top of the front page contains an Act of Congress, headed with a heraldic eagle & signed in type by the President: GEORGE WASHINGTON as well as by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, making this a nice issue for display.
Page 3 has a nice article on: "The President's Departure", on his way to Mount Vernon. He may not... See More























































