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.
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #636672
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back of this issue (pg. 538) is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.... See More
Benjamin Franklin's Plan for the Union... Albany Congress...
Item #639930
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1754 Inside under America is a July 29 report from New York about the famous Albany Congress stating that: "...on the 16 instant the lieutenant-governor arrived from Albany ...having settled matters to the entire satisfaction of all the nations of Indians that attended the congress at that place." Says commissioners from Philadelphia, Mary... See More
Map of the Coast of France... Map of a portion of India...
Item #639929
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1757 Articles include: "Curious Accounts of the Present Comet" which includes a nearly half page print relating to it (see images); "Account of Medical Observations & Inquiries" "Aneurysm of the Aorta" "Fire Engine--Earthquakes--Microscopical Observations" and more.There is also a nice & lengthy: &... See More
Pithy observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #663066
September 04, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by *Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information). Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which ... See More
Talk of Franklin's electricity experiments...
Item #660938
September 27, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 27, 1759
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Pages 4 and 5 contains text from a work: "...On the Advancement of Science" which includes sections on medicine, experiments on animals, metaphysical experiments, etc. as well as a section: "Of Electricity". In this latter section are reports on Benjam... See More
Newspaper with the famous Ben Franklin imprint, with good content as well...
Item #642537
January 03, 1765
PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, January 3, 1765
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (rare)
This is perhaps one of the most famous newspapers of the colonial era, almost entirely because it was printed by the partnership of Franklin & Hall as indicated by the imprint at the bottom of the back page which lists him by name, and identifies him as the Postmaster as well: "Printed by B... See More
To John Hancock on the Stamp Act... Map of Bridgetown in Barbadoes...
Item #644736
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1766 One of the better items is a letter: "...from the Principal Merchants in London trading to the Colonies, to John Hancock, Esq., and the rest of the Merchants in Boston, on the Repeal of the Stamp Act" which has some great reading. This letter takes a full page (see for most).Other articles within include: "An Account of a... See More
The doctrine of original sin... James Logan's legacy to Philadelphia...
Item #640673
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1766 Most of a column is taken up with: "American News".Articles within this issue include: "Logan's Legacy to the City of Philadelphia" being a library of books, "On the Doctrine of Original Sin", "A newly Discovered Power in Spiders" which includes an illustration, much on: "Considerations on... See More
Governemnt's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #639469
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse. Also within this issue is a mention of "A Portugal... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #644502
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse. Also within this issue is a mention of "A Portugal... See More
Indian troubles... Angry at the tax collectors...
Item #661836
June 13, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 13, 1768
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Included are reports under the heading "America" from Charleston, Philadelphia, Boston, Newport, & New York, including a letter "...from the Cherokee country, informs us...upper Cherokee towns are greatly harassed by several parties of Indians from the Ohio & Mississippi who kill ... See More
Regarding Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares"...
Item #652752
July 01, 1768
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1768 (offered at a significantly reduced price - see note regarding the magic square plate)
Perhaps the most notable content is the article on an inside page titled: "Surprising Properties of Numbers placed in Dr. Franklin's Magic Square of Squares," which is a fascinating article describing Benjamin Franklin's amazing numerical puzzle... See More
Patriotic plea by John Dickinson... John Hancock & his troubles...
Item #642654
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1769 Contents include: "A New Voyage to the West Indies, Giving an Account of the various Nations that dwell near the great river Mississippi, ..." which is extremely descriptive of the western lands of America and the native American Indians in the area (see for portions) and taking over 4 pages; "...Letter from General Paoli to ... See More
Events in Charlestown, SC - pre-Battle of Alamance...
Lead-up to the Revolutionary War...
Item #567722
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1771 Near the back is a full page headed "American Affairs" which includes: "Charles-Town, May 8. The General Assembly of the province of Georgia, met at Savannah on the 23d past. On the 24th the new elected Commons House of Assembly unanimously re-chose the Hon. Noble Wimberly Jones, Esq; for their Speaker; but he being disapproved ... See More
Ben Franklin... The "second" Boston Tea Party...
Item #640255
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1774 * The Second Boston Tea Party
* Dr. Benjamin Franklin
Among the articles in this issue are: "...Address & Petition presented to the King...previous to his Majesty's signing the Bill for the better Government of Quebec" "Conjectures Concerning the Phenomenon of Saturn's Ring" "A Wonderful Improvement... See More
Considering a non-importation agreement... John Hancock chosen...
Item #595101
November 14, 1774
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE, England, November 14, 1774
* Non-Importation agreement ?
* John Hancock
The front page has a report headed "America" from Hartford, noting: "...a great concourse of people...appointed a committee to wait on the court...eighteen of them very willingly signed the following engagement, 'We the subscribers do severally promise ... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #633692
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #649963
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Causes & Necessity For Taking Up Arms...
Item #645303
August 15, 1775
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 15, 1775
* Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms
* Second Continental Congress resolution
* re. American Revolutionary War
An inside page has a letter which makes reference to Ben Franklin and the American situation, including: "...but whether Mr.Burke may deserve chastisement or not should Dr. Franklin & the Americans be scourged o... See More
The New England Restraining Act---extended...
Item #661535
September 02, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 2, 1775
* The New England Restraining Act
* Pre Revolutionary tension w/ England
* John Hancock gets married
Taking nearly one-third of the front page and most of page 2 is the extension of the very historic New England Restraining Act by Parliament. This was the King's response to the American colonies' decision to boycott Briti... See More
Provincial Congress meeting...
Item #667176
December 23, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1775
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including mention that
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including mention that
Battle of the Cedars, a truce meeting with Washington, and much more...
Item #662285
July 27, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1776
* Battle of the Cedars
* Invasion of Canada campaign
* John Hancock & George Washington
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city. Note that this issue is just the second published since it printed the De... See More
The Declaration of Independence...
Item #661804
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1776 * Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find an issue containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing o... See More
Battle of the Cedars... Find an officer exchange for Ethan Allen...
Item #671552
August 07, 1776
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, August 7, 1776
* Battle of the Cedars
* Invasion of Quebec campaign
* John Hancock & Ethan Allen
The entire front page is taken up with an excellent account of the Battle of the Cedars in Canada which happened just a few months earlier, part of an inquiry of it by Congress which includes many "Resolves" signed in type on pg. 2 by: Joh... See More
Attempts for a peace proposal: colonies will not denounce their independence...
Item #639491
October 02, 1776
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 2, 1776
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Post Declaration of Independence
Most of the front page is taken up with several correspondences among Lord Drummon (with proposals for a peace treaty) and George Washington, and the Continental Congress. It begins with a letter from Drummond dated Aug. 17, 1776 beginning... See More
Attempts at brokering a peace... Battle of White Plains...
Item #650332
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1776 The first article has five pages taken up with: "Debates in Parliament" which include much discussion on the situation in America.This significant issue contains General Washington's actual correspondence with General Howe and Lord Drummond on the prospects of an early peace, which would mean the Americans would have to abandon... See More
Terrific front page from the Revolutionary War...
Item #666338
January 11, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 11, 1777
* Great ftpg. Rev. War content
* General John Burgoyne
* Benjamin Franklin
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific item headed: "An Appeal to the Unprejudiced or a Vindication of the Measures of Government with Respect to America" which is a great statement on the need for the Revolutionary War. A nice issue for ... See More
Ticonderoga... Article by Ben Franklin... Much more...
Item #642257
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Oct., 1777 Inside has: "Some of the Circumstances which Inevitably retard the Progress of a Northern Army through the uninhabited Countries of America" deals with the difficulties of Burgoyne's army in the colonies, not used to being in an environment so heavily forested. This interesting article takes nearly two pages. Further on is: "... See More
A Tory newspaper printed in occupied Philadelphia...
Item #654261
January 07, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, January 7, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia. Rarely found today.
All of the front page is taken up with advertiseme... See More
Mention of Dr. Franklin...
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #671967
April 01, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 1, 1778 This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
The front page includes an Act relating to detaining persons charged with, or suspected of, the crimes of high treason or piracy committe... See More
Rare title from perhaps the most infamous printer during the Revolutionary War...
Item #632397
July 15, 1778
THE ROYAL GAZETTE, New York, July 15, 1778
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare issue
* James Rivington
This is a case where the rarity of the title equals the historic content within. This was a Tory newspaper by the infamous James Rivington who was supportive of the British cause.
Rivington's initially impartial stance shifted as the revolution loomed and public opini... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.The most significant c... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #651050
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East", and more.The most significant co... See More
On the exchange of prisoners...
Item #597195
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779 Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee (see for portions).Near the back under &... See More
On the exchange of prisoners...
Item #655988
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779 Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee.Near the back under "American News&... See More
Much on the Siege of Augusta, or Fort Cornwallis... Terms offered to General Washington...
Item #658609
July 31, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, July 31, 1781
* Siege of Augusta, Georgia
* General Andrew Pickens
* George Washington
Almost all of page 2 is taken up with a wealth of correspondence and detail concerning the Siege of Augusta, also known as the Siege of Fort Cornwallis. Included are the "Articles of Capitulation..." and many of the corr... See More
News from the closing moments of the war... Thanks to Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others...
Item #658842
February 12, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1782
* American Revolutionary War closing events
* George Washington & Thomas Jefferson
The inside pages have various reports concerning the Revolutionary War, including: "...nothing but the utter destruction of the Carolinas was talked of by the ministry & their creatures; but since the French have bl... See More
A conversation between Ben Franklin and the French Minister...
Item #642830
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1782* Benjamin Franklin
* 1st American diplomat to France
Most notable is the article which is prefaced with: "The following is said to be the Substance of a Conversation Lately Held by Dr. Franklyn [Franklin] with the French Minister on the Subject of American Affairs; supposed to Contain the Real Sentiments of the American Congress" ... See More
Will not acknowledge American independence...
Item #649125
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1782 The issue begins with 7 pages of "Proceedings In Parliament" which includes mention of the war with America: "...in changing the mode of the American war all the King's servants were united; but he repeated a declaration which he had formerly made, that he never would be the minister that would sign any instrument which shoul... See More
John Adams in his ambassador role in Europe...
Item #640566
May 16, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 16, 1782 Page 2 has a report concerning John Adams' efforts in Amsterdam towards working on a general peace agreement. Also: "Mr. Adams has obtained leave to open a loan here for five millions of florins...and that two vessels, one called the General Washington, and the other the General Green, are ready at Amsterdam to be loaded with the productio... See More
Ben Franklin asks to resign...
Item #649653
April 22, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, April 22, 1783
* Benjamin Franklin wants to resign
Page 3 has a brief item: "Dr. Franklin has written to Congress requesting permission to resign his public employment, 'the business being too weighty for his old shoulders'. Such was the Doctor's expression."
Page 7 is mostly taken up with: "American News" which talks of ships leav... See More
Mention of Dr. Franklin... Quakers and enslaved Negroes...
Item #664642
October 09, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, October 9, 1783
* Dr. Benjamin Franklin
* Slaves - Slavery - Negroes
This issue has a variety of news items concerning the end of the Revolutionary War. The front page of this issue features a report noting: "Dr. Franklin writes to a friend, that he has reason to suspect the Americans have no friends in Europe; for the same caution that now aims ... See More
Congress to meet in Princeton?
Item #651276
November 22, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 22, 1783 Page 3 has a report from Charleston concerning commerce. Also a dateline from Savannah. Then a report from Congress concerning the finances of the country which includes a document signed in type: Robert Morris. Also a dispatch: "That it had been formally debated in Congress at Prince-Town [Princeton] whether the delegates should return to Ph... See More
John Adams delivers his credentials to the King...
Item #625993
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1785 Among the articles are: "Curious Caves on the Elephanta Island" near India; "Epitaph Proposed by Dr. Fordyce for Samuel Johnson" and so much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news reports of the day, which includes a report: "This day John Adams, minister plenipotentiary from the... See More
John Adams delivers his credentials to the King...
Item #642839
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1785 Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news reports of the day, which includes a report: "This day John Adams, minister plenipotentiary from the United States of America, had a private audience of his majesty, to deliver his credentials. This day Col. Smith (late aid-de-camp to Gen. Washington, arrived, in cha... See More
A letter from Ben Franklin... Cultivating tea in America...
Item #668559
April 27, 1786
NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, April 27, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) Inside has a letter from 1725 signed by Benjamin Franklin, exhibiting his business acumen, prefaced with: "...written by the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin 65 years ago when he was apprentice to a printer in Little Britain...it exhibits the vicissitudes of fortune in a man whose convenience perha... See More
John Hancock resigns as President of Congress...
Item #643047
August 01, 1786
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
Huge foldout plate... Burning water in Fincastle, Virginia...
Item #625997
September 01, 1786
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1786 A prime feature is the quite large 4 page foldout plate showing: "View of a Crescent as Planned...in St. George's Fields..." in London (see).
Included are a wide range of articles, and near the back are various news reports from the day which also includes: "American News" which reports of the "...discovery o... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...
Item #652583
May 28, 1787
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 28, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected 1st president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held. As such, this is likely the first newsp... See More
First magazine printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #670952
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, September, 1787 * First magazine printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792. He was very proud of h... See More
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