American Forefathers

Please enjoy this abbreviated list of issues with content related to the forefathers of America (Washington, Franklin, Paine, Adams, and more).  A more comprehensive list may be found at http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers.

American Forefathers

Please enjoy this abbreviated list of issues with content related to the forefathers of America (Washington, Franklin, Paine, Adams, and more).&nbsp; A more comprehensive list may be found at <a href="http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers">http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers</a>.
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687144

Many honors to George Washington and Nathaniel Greene for their leadership in the Revolutionary War...

Item #687144

December 17, 1783

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783  This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.

Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Nathaniel Greene by the people of Newport, R.I., for his heroic effort during the war, followed by... See More  

Item from our most recent catalog - #356, released for July, 2025

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$478.00
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704735

Officers respond to Washington's Farewell Address... British evacuate New York City....

Item #704735

January 02, 1784

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Jan. 2, 1784  



* General George Washington

* Farewell Address responses

* Loyalists escaping New York




The front page has a report from New York noting: "General Thomas Mifflin is chosen resident of Congress for the ensuing year, in the room of Elias Boudinot...His Excellency General Washington, by proclamation bearing the date the 4th instant, ... See More  

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$165.00
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704612

Washington's historic farewell orders to the military...

Item #704612

January 06, 1784

THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784



* General George Washington

* Farewell address - speech

* Continental Army officers

* Princeton, New Jersey




 Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rock... See More  

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$675.00
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647204

Much on General Greene in the Revolutionary War... A Hawaiian canoe...

Item #647204
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1784  The issue begins with a description of a medal created in honor of the late Capt. Cook and which is accompanied by a plate of it (see). The front page also has an article: "Canoe of the Sandwich Islands Described (which is Hawaii), which is also accompanied by a geat foldout plate, more typically lacking.

Another article of interest is: ... See More  

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$105.00
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644294

Gifts to George Washington from Virginia...

Item #644294

May 01, 1785

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785  Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.

Near the back is: "Intelligence..." with... See More  

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$34.00
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625993

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  

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$50.00
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667457

Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...

Item #667457
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More  

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$96.00
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696529

Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...

Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More  

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$98.00
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702244

Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...

Item #702244

April 23, 1787

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  

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$74.00
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686699

Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President: a day after report...

Item #686699

May 26, 1787

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787  



* Constitutional Convention begins

* George Washington elected 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 ... See More  

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$4,975.00
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686742

Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...

Item #686742

June 01, 1787

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 6, 1787



* Constitutional Convention begins

* George Washington elected president




 An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention.

Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia datelined May 26 with the historic report: "Yesterday, at the State House in this city, seven states were ful... See More  

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$2,450.00
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676178

Letters by Benjamin Franklin...

Item #676178
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, July, 1787, Second Edition (1789)  Among the articles are: "Remarks & Facts Relative to the American Paper Money, By Dr. Franklin" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Friend, on the Subject of the North East Storms" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend, Containing an Account of a Remarkable Whirlwind" "Letter from Dr. M. to... See More  

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$65.00
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701446

The Northwest Ordinance...

Item #701446

July 21, 1787

THE NEW HAVEN GAETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, August 2, 1787  A very significant newspaper as all of the front page & a portion of page 2 contain the complete printing of the Northwest Ordinance.

Considered to be one of the most significant achievements of the Congress of the Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 put the world on notice not only that the land north of the... See More  

Item from last month's catalog - #355, released for June, 2025

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677257

Thomas Jefferson's 'Notes On Virginia'...

Item #677257
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, August, 1787  Among the various articles within is: "Extract from Mr. Jefferson's Notes on Virginia" which takes over two pages.

Also an article under "Historical Scraps" which begins: "The negroes hold the fourth rank among the inhabitants of the Spanish colonies. The introduction of that unhappy part of the human species in... See More  

Item from our most recent catalog - #356, released for July, 2025

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$67.00
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696414

Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...

Item #696414
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787  



* Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States



This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.

Comments from the Library Company ... See More  

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$9,420.00
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709556

The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...

Item #709556

October 01, 1787

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787  Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are likely the most historic 18th century documents to have in an American newspaper.

Con... See More  

Item from our most recent catalog - #356, released for July, 2025

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701466

Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...

Item #701466

February 13, 1788

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788



* United States Constitution

* Ratification of the states

* Pillar illustration - cartoon




This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this  title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle,... See More  

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$6,640.00
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703264

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  

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$6,250.00
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704117

Mention of Ben Franklin... Slave trade... Establishing a penal colony in Australia...

Item #704117
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1788 



* Early chess - Benjamin Franklin mention

* Penal Colony, Botany Bay, Australia



Two pages have considerable detail regarding the game of chess which includes a mention of Benjamin Franklin. Near the back under the "Domestic Occurrences" heading is a report reading: "By the last accounts received from the fleet from B... See More  

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$135.00
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180100

George Washington through Andrew Jackson...

Presidential Collection I - covering 7 administrations...

Item #180100
(7) Presidential Collection I - a seven-issue set of American newspapers containing one issue each from the administrations of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson, providing a single-day snapshot of the atmosphere during each administration. This is set one of a six-part series.



1) Geo Washington, 4/30/1789
... See More  

If an image(s) is shown, it is only representative of the style and condition of what you will receive. Actual items will vary.

This item is not eligible for free shipping.

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$125.00
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208507

Handsome masthead from the year the American government was established...

Item #208507
THE DIARY; OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, 1789 This is a nice folio-size newspaper of 4 pages with untrimmed margins (uncommon) and a nice red-inked tax stamp in the lower right corner of the front page or page 3. Various news of the day plus ads as well. This is one of the less common British titles in our inventory, never held by us in 30 years, outside of our recent purchase. Minimal fold ... See More  

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$26.00
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702876

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  

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668658

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  

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$435.00
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685616

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  

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$4,675.00
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681502

Madison proposes Amendments to the Constitution... Early edition of the Bill of Rights...

Item #681502

June 13, 1789

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 13, 1789 



* Early edition of the "Bill of Rights"

* United States Constitution - Amendments

* President James Madison




An exceedingly significant issue which has, on page 3, a preliminary draft of the Bill of Rights described as  "...the Amendments to the New Constitution, proposed by the Hon. Mr. Maddison [sic]...".... See More  

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686033

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  

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703746

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  

Item from last month's catalog - #355, released for June, 2025

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703196

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  

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668872

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  

Item from last month's catalog - #355, released for June, 2025

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686627

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  

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$83.00
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686116

Hamilton & Knox to be on Washington's Cabinet... Setting federal salaries...

Item #686116

September 19, 1789

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789  The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".

Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on setting the salaries for House & Senate members.

Page 3 has: "THE PRESIDENT has... See More  

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704740

Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...

Item #704740
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789  Included is a lengthy: "...Report of the Secretary of the Treasury..." which takes 4 1/2 pages & signed in type by: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.  This report is: "...in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 17th of September, 1789" concerning the indebtedness o... See More  

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$225.00
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703267

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  

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$18,250.00
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686115

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  

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$155.00
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685624

With the plate of the Bastille... Washington returns from his tour...

Item #685624
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, Nov., 1789



* The Bastille in France w/ plate

* President George Washington

* New England tour return

* New federal government era




 The issue begins with: "Description of the Bastile, in France" which still includes the full page plate of it (foxing & damp staining).

Also in this issue: "Webster's Essay on Reforming the Prese... See More  

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$149.00
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701210

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  

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$4,125.00
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652909

Ben Franklin from the Revolutionary War...

Item #652909
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, December, 1789  American magazines from the 18th century are increasingly uncommon. This was one of the more successful titles.

Among the various articles within is a letter to "...all captains & commanders of armed ship...now in war with Great Britain..." from 1779, signed in type: B. Franklin; "The Desperate Negro" which is the fam... See More  

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$75.00
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703772

Seven documents signed by George Washington...

Item #703772

December 02, 1789

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Dec. 2, 1789 



* President George Washington

* John Adams - U.S. Congress




 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 ... See More  

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$185.00
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703726

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  

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$2,350.00
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682847

President Washington makes some appointments...

Item #682847
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1790   Among the articles are: "On the Use of Cosmeticks" "American Natural History...Of the Birds" & much more.

Near the back is a full page plate of music, as well as: "The Gazette" which has the latest news reports from Winchester, Va. New London, and Boston. Also a list of appointments by the President.

... See More  

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703798

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  

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$128.00
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675444

Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...

Item #675444
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790  Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."

The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hudson's Bay", "Lake Winiping (now Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba)... See More  

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$260.00
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682845

On the Equality of Sexes... References to George Washington...

Item #682845
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1790



* 18th century Woman's suffrage ?

* George Washington mention




  The first page has: "Description of the Court House in Salem", lacking the plate called for.

Other articles include: "On the Equality of Sexes" "Preliminary of the Constitution of France" and much more.

At the back is: "The Gazette&qu... See More  

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$84.00
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689565

Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...

Item #689565
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 



* Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America



Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."

The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hud... See More  

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$260.00
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703800

Very interesting letter from a "negro" in defense of his race...

Item #703800

March 03, 1790

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 3, 1790 



* Letter No. IV by "Rusticus"

* "Africanus" a free black - Negro

* African Americans - integration ?




On the front page. under "Congress" is the recent business conducted by the House of Representatives. Much is on Madison's second speech in opposition to Hamilton's report on public credit &... See More  

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$245.00
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703187

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  

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$675.00
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703809

Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson...

Item #703809

April 07, 1790

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790  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 cession of the Claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of Western Territory" with aims of becomin... See More  

Item from our most recent catalog - #356, released for July, 2025

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$112.00
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703212

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  

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$148.00
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704390

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  

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$4,150.00
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704869

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  

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$3,300.00
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