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
The following issues have content regarding the signers of the Declaration of Independence. They are arranged in chronological order. Please enjoy.
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
George Washington's inauguration and inaugural address... And a very rare eye-witness account...
Item #685616
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789 * President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* In a American publication (rare)
Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of... See More
George Washington is elected President... Dr. Rush's "Moral/Temperance Thermometer"... Franklin letter...
Item #668658
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789* 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...
Item #703185
June 17, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789 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 election as governor: "...As my fellow citizens have seen... See More
George Washington's journal... Pay for the President...
Item #685615
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1789 The issue begins with a: "Description of the Seat of His Excellency John Hancock, Esquire, Boston" with the report taking 1 1/2 pages. The plate of it is lacking. This is followed by: "Commencement at Cambridge".Further on is the continuation of: "Major George Washington's Journal" from 1753 which takes about 6... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789..
Item #686033
July 24, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 24, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
The entire front page is taken up with ads including 7 illustrated ship ads.
Page 2 has an address to George Washington from the governor & council of North Carolina, which is followed by his reply which carries ove... See More
Creation of the Department of Defense...
Item #703746
August 19, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789 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 of the Union" and is titled: "An ACT to Establish an Executive Department, to be Denominated the DEPARTMENT OF WAR" which ta... 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
On religion in the Constitution... George Washington... The French Revolution....
Item #686627
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), September, 1789 Content includes: "American Anecdote" "Dr. Barnaby Relates the Following Anecdote of Dr. Franklin"; an address: "To the President of the United States" by the ministers of the German Reformed church, to which he responded, signed in type: George Washington; "On the Impracticability of a Passage into the P... See More
On religion in the Constitution... George Washington... The French Revolution....
Item #668872
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), September, 1789 Content includes: "American Anecdote" "Dr. Barnaby Relates the Following Anecdote of Dr. Franklin"; an address: "To the President of the United States" by the ministers of the German Reformed church, to which he responded, signed in type: George Washington; "On the Impracticability of a Passage into the P... 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
Two George Washington script signatures...
Item #686115
October 10, 1789
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
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
Seven documents signed by George Washington...
Item #703772
December 02, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Dec. 2, 1789
The back page contains six Acts of Congress, each one signed in type by the President & Vice President: George Washington & John Adams.
Also an address from Dartmouth College to the President, to which he responded with a letter signed: George Washington. And there is also a letter signed in type by: John Adams, from when h... 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
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
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
Washington signs an Act of Congress, on the front page...
Item #703212
April 17, 1790
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...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
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...
Item #704869
April 28, 1790
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
Front page Act of Congress by George Washington...
Item #705137
May 08, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 8, 1790 Half of the front page is taken up with: "An ACT for Regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington as President. The act is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle making this a great front page for display. The balance of the front page h... See More
Lengthy Act of Congress...
Item #705167
May 12, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 12, 1790 Taking all of the front page & concluding on page 2 is a lengthy Act of Congress: "...for the Punishment of Certain Crimes against the United States", signed in type by: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson. The Act is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, making it nice for display.
Nearly a full... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704059
June 16, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 16, 1790 Nearly half a column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress signed in script type by George Washington, and in block type by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, and headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 also has reports from Congress, and an article headed: "Newspapers" being a bit of American history of newspapers. Pa... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790 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. Page 3 also has several "Appointments" by the President, as ... See More
The historic Funding Act of 1790... Alexander Hamilton...
Item #713731
August 07, 1790
(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
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
Ben Franklin letters...
Item #670618
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 * 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
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
On the Funding Act... Washington, Adams & Jefferson... Building a lighthouse at Cape Henry...
Item #705166
October 02, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1790 Both pages 3 and 4 have two separate documents on carrying into effect the very historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurred during the Revolutionary War.
Most of the front page is taken up with the conclusion of the: "Collection Law" of the United States
... See More
On the funeral of the governor...
Item #704834
November 13, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 13, 1790
* Patriots George Read & William Patterson
Page 3 reports that George Read was unanimously re-elected Senator of Delaware. A second item says: "The Hon. William Patterson, Esq. Senator of the United States, from New Jersey is unanimously elected Governor of that State." Both of these men signed the Constitution of the United Stat... 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
Speech signed by John Hancock... Vermont joins the Union...
Item #686732
January 29, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1791
* John Hancock signed speech
* Vermont statehood - joins union
Over half of page 2 and a bit of page 3 are taken up with the "Speech" of the governor of Massachusetts which is signed in type: JOHN HANCOCK. It is rare to find newspapers with documents signed by Hancock.
Page 3 has a report noting: "This day the Hon. Aaron ... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704193
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of ... See More
The Act creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #698020
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1791* First Bank of the United States creation
The issue begins with textual: "Sketches of the President Of the United States" which is nearly a 4 1/2 page biography of George Washington (the plate called for is lacking). Also inside is the conclusion of: "Description of Cape Cod & the County of Barnstable" which takes 2 1/2... See More
Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution... Manuel Noah... Three Acts of Congress...
Item #715112
March 12, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 12, 1791
* United States Constitution amendment proposed
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Inside has more than a full column taken up with: "Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Laid on the Clerk's Table by Mr. Benson, to her Proposed by Congress to the Legislature's of the Several States&... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704964
March 19, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 19, 1791
* (3) U.S. presidents sign act of Congress
On the back page under an engraving of an eagle and shield is: "An Act Providing Compensations for the Officers of the Judicial Courts of the United States, and for Jurors and Witnesses, and for Other Purposes", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas... See More
Proclamation by Washington & Jefferson... Judaica related ad...
Item #705132
March 23, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 23, 1791 The entire front page is taken up with a continuation of the: "New Revenue Law". Page 3 mentions the President setting off for a tour of the South intending to visit the Carolinas & Georgia. Page 3 also has: "A Proclamation" concerning trade with the Indians, signed in type by the President, George Washington ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #704528
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Two Acts of United States Congress
The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration".
The back page has two Acts of Congress headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jef... See More
Reviewing the new Constitution... Working on creating the District of Columbia...
Item #685636
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1791
* United States Constitution in it's infancy
* Creating Washington D.C. (Federal City)
The issue begins with a description of the historic State House in Boston. The related plate is lacking.
* United States Constitution in it's infancy
* Creating Washington D.C. (Federal City)
The issue begins with a description of the historic State House in Boston. The related plate is lacking.
An interesting article presents a nice perspective on the U.S. Constitution, at this point just 4 years old: "Dr. Ramsa
... See More
Letter from John Hancock...
Item #687489
October 13, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 13, 1791
* Massachusetts Governor John Hancock
Page 3 has a report concerning the collection of taxes, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock. Page 2 has a report on the: "Indian Expedition" of General Wilkinson.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, great condition.... See More
Washington's third state-of-the-union address... Ben Franklin...
Item #685647
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, November, 1791 * President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The most notable content is the lengthy & historic state-of-the-union address of President Washington, which takes nearly 3 pages, headed: "Speech of the President of the United States to Both Houses of Congress" and is ... See More
Acknowledging Washington's third annual address...
Item #704042
November 12, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 12, 1791 Almost half of the front page is taken up with: "Answers Of Both Houses of Congress to The President's Speech", meaning George Washington's 3rd annual state-of-the-union address.
The first column has "The Senate's Answer" which is signed in type: John Adams, Vice President of the United States & President
... See More
The first column has "The Senate's Answer" which is signed in type: John Adams, Vice President of the United States & President
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686060
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686811
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686059
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
"Report" signed in type by Thomas Jefferson...
Item #698985
January 21, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 21, 1792
* Thomas Jefferson before presidency
Beginning on the front page and concluding on page 2 is a very lengthy "Report" from the Secretary of State, signed in type: Th. Jefferson. It is very difficult to find 18th century newspapers with Jefferson's signature in type.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some foxing and a few archi... 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
Washington signs an Act of Congress.... Votes for John Hancock...
Item #704051
April 04, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1792
* President George Washington & more
The front page begins with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Th. Jefferson.
Page 3 has over half a column of election results in Massachusetts, by city, for governor, number showing large majorities for John Hancock.
Four pa... 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
George Washington is elected President of the United States...
Item #713617
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792. Page 3 has a re... See More
Death of John Hancock in his hometown newspaper...
Item #681123
October 09, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 9, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* Declaration of Independence signer
* 1st Massachusetts Governor
* From his hometown (rare)
Curiously, the ftpg. includes "A Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving By His Excellency John Hancock, Governor..." carrying over to pg. 2 where it is signed by him in type: John Hancock.
Contrast t... See More
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