Historic Newspapers: U.S. Founding Fathers - 19th Century

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Connecticut, Nov. 30, 1813 

* Battle of the Thames - Fort Malden
* Shawnee leader Tecumseh killed
* William Henry Harrison victory

Much of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 has: "Gen. Harrison's Victory" which is a report on the historic Battle of the Thames in which Harrison defeated British forces, resulting in the death of the famed Native American leader Tecumseh and the end of his…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, June 26, 1816

* William S. Smith death
* Abigail Adams

Among the "Deaths" on page 2 is one that reads, in part: "In New York State, Col. William S. Smith, a brave and intelligent officer of the revolutionary war....an independent Member of Congress....He was son-in-law of President Adams; but was bereaved of his excellent consort several years since." Smith was married to Abigail "Nabby" Adams, and served as John Adams' secretary in London.

…

CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 1, 1801  Much of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" including a bit: "...The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for erecting a Mausoleum to George Washington...moved an amendment substituting a Monument, in the place of a Mausoleum, to be erected in the Capitol...".
Page 2 includes a: "Tribute to Lord Nelson" referred to here as: "...the Hero of the Nile..." for his defeat of Napoleon. Also a report from…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, April 5, 1800  Over a column of the front page is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress, one: "...for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes.", each signed in script type by the President; John Adams, and in block type by: Th. Jefferson.
The bottom of page 2 has a report headed: "Board Of Health" which has a list of men elected in the several wards, and in word 2 is "Paul Revere, Esq."
Four pages, bit close-trimmed at the top, not…

THE NATIONAL REGISTER, Washington, Feb. 1, 1817  Inside has a letter datelined from Monticello, headed: "Delaplaine's Repository", signed in type: Thomas Jefferson. Also two letters on the: "Neutrality of the United States" each signed in type: James Monroe. This is followed by: General Harrison's Case".
An uncommon title that existed from March 2, 1816 thru Dec. 7, 1820. As the photos show the format was very much like the more popular 'Niles Weekly Register' which began in 1811, but not…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER with the "Supplement To Volume XV", Baltimore, Feb. 20, 1819  

* The Jew Bill - president's support
* Equal rights for Jews - voting

Certainly the best content in this issue is in the lengthy "Supplement" to the volume, with an article headed: "Legislature Of Maryland - The Jew Bill--From A Correspondent" which takes nearly four pages.
As a bit of history, In 1776 Maryland's constitution safely protected "...all persons professing the Christian religion..." yet…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 18, 1803  Page 2 has an interesting report concerning Thomas Paine & his letters, noting: "...is composed principally of encomiums upon himself and upon his projects for reforming the world, and abuse of General Washington's administration. The only thing worthy of notice ...is a copy of the whole of Mr. Jefferson's affectionate letter of invitation to Paine..." with much more.
This is responded to by Jefferson, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
Page 2 also…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 2, 1814  The first 3 pages are taken up with a lengthy: "Report On The Fisheries" including a full front page chart, with notation that it is "By Thomas Jefferson".
Inside  has 6 1/2 pages of "Events of the War" concerning the on-going War of 1812. Among the subheads and reports are: "The Army" which begins: "The greater part of our army in the north is at or near Plattsburg under major general Isard..."; "A Proclamation" by the President concerning the…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, January 1, 1800  

* George Washington death
* Historic & Highly sought item

This is one of the better issues to be had on the death & funeral of George Washington. 
All columns and margins on pages 1, 2 & 3 have wide, black mourning rules. Page 4 has mourning rules at the top and bottom.  The front page begins with a report headed with an engraving of a funeral urn above which is: "Testimonials of National Sorrow!" and beneath it: "On…

NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT, Concord, Sept. 3, 1816  The middle of the front page is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress and a "Resolution", each signed in type by the President: James Madison.
The back page has nearly 2 columns on: "The Execution" of Richard Smith for the murder of Capt. John Carson. There is much written about him on the internet.
Four pages, various cases, good condition.

THE BALANCE & COLUMBIAN REPOSITORY, Hudson, New York, March 2, 1802  

* re. Thomas Jefferson's state of the union address
* Alexander Hamilton pen name Lucius Crassus

Half of page 2 and most of page 3 are taken up with: "Examination Of The President's Message, Number IX" signed in type by: Lucius Crassus, the pen name of Alexander Hamilton.
A website notes: "Hamilton’s “Examination of Jefferson’s Message to Congress of December 7, 1801,” in which Hamilton, writing as Lucius Crassus…

NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 6, 1806 

* President Thomas Jefferson
* State of the Union Address
* re. Lewis and Clark Expedition

Beginning on page 2 & concluding on page 3 is his lengthy address to the Senate & House of Representatives. This was his annual state-of-the-union address, prefaced with: "This day at 12 o'clock the President of the United States communicated, by Mr. Coles, his Secretary, the following MESSAGE to both houses of Congress."
Of significance is some fine mention of the…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 25, 1826  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* Last letters to Henry Lee

Inside 2 1/2 pages taken up with: "The Late Mr. Jefferson" who passed away nearly 5 months earlier (July 4) which includes a lengthy letter signed: H. Lee. This is followed by a lengthier letter datelined: "Monticello, May 15, 1826" just 1 1/2 months before his death, signed: Th. Jefferson. Then another letter from Monticello dated May 20, also signed: Th. Jefferson.
Another…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 25, 1826  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* Last letters to Henry Lee

Inside 2 1/2 pages taken up with: "The Late Mr. Jefferson" who passed away nearly 5 months earlier (July 4) which includes a lengthy letter signed: H. Lee. This is followed by a lengthier letter datelined: "Monticello, May 15, 1826" just 1 1/2 months before his death, signed: Th. Jefferson. Then another letter from Monticello dated May 20, also signed: Th. Jefferson.
Another…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 25, 1826  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* Last letters to Henry Lee

Inside 2 1/2 pages taken up with: "The Late Mr. Jefferson" who passed away nearly 5 months earlier (July 4) which includes a lengthy letter signed: H. Lee. This is followed by a lengthier letter datelined: "Monticello, May 15, 1826" just 1 1/2 months before his death, signed: Th. Jefferson. Then another letter from Monticello dated May 20, also signed: Th. Jefferson.
Another…

NEW YORK EVENING POST, July 31, 1802  

* Founding Father Alexander Hamilton

This is the famous newspaper founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, still publishing today.
The front page is taken up with advertisements, 8 of which are illustrated ship ads. Various news reports of the day from Thomas Jefferson's administration.
Four pages, minor margin tears, nice condition.

Background: The historical significance of the July 31, 1802, issue of the New York Evening Post lies in its role as a primary…

NEW YORK HERALD, June 29, 1811  Most of page 2 is taken up with various letters concerning Robert Smith, Secretary of the Navy in Jefferson's administration, then becoming Secretary of State for Madison. Smith & Madison would soon disagree on policy resulting in Smith's resignation in 1811.
Most of the text is an address by Smith, with other letters signed in type by: James Madison, and Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, minor loss at the bottom margin affects just one word, scattered foxing, never…

UNITED STATES' TELEGRAPH--EXTRA, Washington, July 26, 1828  This was a campaign journal "...devoted exclusively to the Presidential election..." as stated in the masthead. It was published by Duff Green, who had come to Washington to establish a newspaper to promote the candidacy of Andrew Jackson. Mott says, "Green proved to be of the hard-hitting politician type of editor." which could be taken literally as during the publication of the "Extra", Green got involved in a fist-fight in the…

UNITED STATES' TELEGRAPH--EXTRA, Washington, Aug. 2, 1828  

* Rare campaign periodical
* General Andrew Jackson

This was a campaign journal "...devoted exclusively to the Presidential election..." as stated in the masthead.
It was published by Duff Green, who had come to Washington to establish a newspaper to promote the candidacy of Andrew Jackson. Mott says: "Green proved to be of the hard-hitting politician type of editor." which could be taken literally as during the publication of…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 22, 1825  The front page has an early report regarding General Andrew Jackson's visit to Jackson, Tennessee, noting: "Gen. Jackson, with his lady...was invited to and partook of a public dinner given by the people of that town...The masonic fraternity also paid their respects to him...The general's toast was--the town of Jackson--where but lately roamed wild beasts and savages; behold now the abode of civilization, refinement and hospitality."
Within is…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 14, 1814  Page 3 contains an article headed: "Americans! Read This! " which is a critical piece against Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase of 11 years prior, relating to the creation of new states from that territory. Part of the article includes a letter: "From Thomas Jefferson to William Dunbar, of Natchez" datelined at Washington, July 17, 1803, signed by him in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 1, 1820  The entire front page is an editorial headed: "Independence" concerning the upcoming anniversary of the 4th of July.
Some great reading, with one paragraph beginning: "Nearly all the great actors in 1776 have made their exit to another & a better world, but some venerable men yet remain to bless our land with their presence...among these, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson stand pre-eminent..." with more.
Also inside are: "Silver Mine in…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 1800  

* Eulogy on the death of George Washington
* Turn of the 19th century originals 

A pair of consecutive newspapers from shortly after the death of George Washington.
The front page of Jan. 29 has nearly two column taken up with: "Judge Minot's Eulogy On Gen. George Washington, Delivered before the Inhabitants of the town of Boston" which continues to page 2, then concludes by taking over two-thirds of the front page of the…

THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 29, 1814 

* Burning of Washington D.C.
* British invasion & capture
* War of 1812 - Chesapeake campaign
* In a British publication

Page 2 has a report headed: "City Of Washington Destroyed" as taken from American newspapers.
The report begins: "This day we have the disagreeable task of recording the capture & destruction of the city of Washington, the capital of the United States! Six months ago, no one could have thought such an event could have possibly taken…

NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT & STATE GAZETTE, Concord, July 10, 1826

* President John Adams death (1st report)
* Declaration of Independence 50th anniversary

Page 3 contains an early and significant report on the death of John Adams, who died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Headed "Death of John Adams" the report carries over to take close to half of the next column (see photos). Complete in 4 pages and in very nice, clean condition. A signficant report from

THE WAR, New York, June 1, 1813  

* President of James Madison
* State of the Union Address
* Siege of Fort Meigs - Ohio
* War of 1812

The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the: "President's Message" which is signed in type: James Madison. In it the President announces the United States' acceptance of an offer by the Emperor Alexander of Russia to mediate a resolution to the conflict with Britain and his hopes that this negotiation will end the war quickly.…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Aug. 17, 1809 

* Franz Joseph Haydn death
* Classical music composer
* Vienna, Austria

The top of the front page has: "A Proclamation" signed in type: James Madison, and also: "French Piracies" which takes an entire column. On page 2, under the "Deaths" is a small announcement "In Vienna, May 31st, Hayden, [Hadyn] the celebrated musical composer, Aet. 79...".
Four pages nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1806 

* Thomas Jefferson message to U.S. Congress
* First published information on Lewis and Clark

The front page has a nice "Message" to the Congress signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition, including: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from its mouth to its source, and crossing the highlands by the shortest portage to seek the best…

THE TIMES, London, England, Aug. 15, 1826  Page 2 has an entire column taken up with a fine report concerning the lives of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, appropriately headed: "Jefferson And Adams". These two founding fathers died on the same day, July 4, 1826, ironically the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
There are two portions to the detailed article, the first headed: "Jefferson" and the other headed: "John Adams".
Four pages, red tax stamp in the masthead, a very…

THE GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1804   
* Alexander Hamilton death - re. Aaron Burr duel

The first column of a page is headed: “AMERICA & THE WEST INDIES” reporting: “By the New York papers, we learn, that the Coroner’s Inquest, held on the late Gen. Hamilton, have brought in a verdict of ‘Willful murder against A’ Burr, esq. Vice President of the United States... It is also stated, that Mr. Burr was attacked with dropsy in his head, and was lying extremely ill near…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 6, 1827

* President John Quincy Adams
* State of the Union Address

Most of the front page is taken up with the: "President's Message" which is signed in type: John Quincy Adams.
This was Adams' annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition begun by George Washington & continues today. Terrific to shave this report in a newspaper from the city where the address was given. Previously the earliest report of this message was dated December…

NEW YORK ADVERTISER, March 26, 1819  Page 3 has an Act of Congress signed in type by: H. Clay, Speaker of the House, and James Monroe, President.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition.

WINDSOR FEDERAL GAZETTE, Vermont, Aug. 31, 1802  The front page contains the text of Washington's last official letter, including a nice introductory report concerning it.
The letter is dated "Mount Vernon, July 13, 1798" and is signed in type at its conclusion: George Washington. In the letter to John Adams he expresses his gratitude for being appointed Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of the U.S. armies. However, he also expressed his desire for a younger, more qualified person to…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 7, 1829  

* President Andrew Jackson
* Inauguration - inaugural address

An inside page has a nice article headed: "The Inauguration" which begins with details of the proceedings including: "...in the presence of an immense concourse of spectators, filling the portico, the steps...the president of the United States delivered his inaugural address as given below, and having concluded it, the oath to support the constitution was administered to him…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 26, 1814  Within its pages is: "Events of the War" which consume nearly 7 of the 16 pages with the latest news from the on-going War of 1812. Among the reports and subheads are: "Vigilance"; a letter signed in type by: James Monroe; "Baltimore Vessels" "Additional Rules for the Recruiting Service"; 3 letters signed in type: Edward Baynes; "Military"; a very lengthy letter: "...from general Jackson of the Tennessee volunteers to general Pinckney" dated at…

THE SPECTATOR, New York, Aug. 9, 1800  Headed by an engraving of a heraldic eagle, the front page has four Acts of Congress, carrying over to page 2 where there are an additional three Acts and five "Resolves", each signed in type by the President, John Adams, with the Resolves also signed by Thomas Jefferson as well.
Four pages, wear at the margins, partially loose at the spine, some margin tears.

BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 21, 1822  

* Paul Revere's son

The front page has an illustrated ad for "Joseph W. Revere..."Factory and ship Bells..." with a bit more.
Joseph was the 3rd Paul Revere's 8 children, taking over the bell foundry business from his father in 1811.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition.

Background: The publication of this February 1822 advertisement captures a pivotal moment of transition in early American industrial history, symbolizing the shift from…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1805 

* Death of Alexander Hamilton speech

Inside has over a full page taken up with: "An Oration Commemorative of the late Major General, Alexander Hamilton...by J.M. Mason, DD, Pastor First Reform Church in the City of New York...".
A few bits include: "The Doctor styles Gen. Washington Father of the Country and Gen. Hamilton her eldest son...His ideas of government which should elevate the character, preserve the unity, perpetuate the…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 25, 1826  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* To begin a lottery to raise $$

The front page has a nice for: "Mr. Jefferson's Lottery".
Late in life Thomas Jefferson was in financial distress and his grandson organized a lottery of his holdings in an attempt to hold on to Monticello for the family. But it would not work out that way.
The front patge also has a list of any "Indian Treaties" in the year 1825.
Page3 2 begins with: "An Act Making…

JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE, Maine (still part of Mass. at this time), March 2, 1801  

* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800

The election of 1800 was a very contentious one, ending with a Jefferson-Burr tie, but after 36 ballots the House of Representatives ultimately chooses Jefferson as president.

THE DOVER ENQUIRER New Hampshire, Oct. 14, 1828  

* Very rare, short lived publication

From information available it appears this newspaper existed under this title for less than one year. This is the volume 1, number 34 issue.
The first column has notices supporting John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson for President, and Richard Bush & John C. Calhoun for Vice President.
Four pages, foxing mostly at margins & folds, good condition.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 20, 1812  Two columns of the front page are taken up with: "A Proclamation" for a day of Thanksgiving in support of the war, signed: James Madison. As well as four Acts of Congress each signed by Madison, one: "For the More Perfect Organization of the Army of the United States".
Also within: "Federal Recommendation of the War" "Frontier News" "and page 3 has 3 documents concerning British living in America, one a: "Notice to British Subjects" and: "An Act…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 19, 1828 

* Charles Carroll of Carrollton
* Declaration of Independence signer

The front page has: "Charles Carroll" which gives details of the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence presenting a copy of The Declaration to the mayor of New York City, along with a copy of a letter written in his own hand which states in part: "Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, He had conferred on my…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 19, 1828 

* Charles Carroll of Carrollton
* Declaration of Independence signer

The front page has: "Charles Carroll" which gives details of the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence presenting a copy of The Declaration to the mayor of New York City, along with a copy of a letter written in his own hand which states in part: "Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, He had conferred on my…

THE WAR, New York, Feb. 22, 1814 

* Battles of Emuckfaw & Enotachopo Creek

Most of the front page is taken up with: "Fifth Victory Over the Creeks" as well as: "Sixth Victory Over the Creeks".
Notable content inside includes: "Failure of Our Arms on the Northern Frontier" which is prefaced with a "Message" signed in type: James Madison and which includes documents signed by H. Dearborn and John Armstrong. Also within: "Fortunate Escape" "Desperate Action" which is a report of a naval…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 8, 1814  Inside has: "General Smyth's Petition" "The Embargo Question" "To Independence"; letters signed in type by James Monroe and James Madison.
There are also 7 pages under the heading: "Events of the War". Among its subheads & reports are: "The Enemy" "The Friends of Peace" "From General Proctor to General Harrison"; a very lengthy letter: "From General Harrison to General Vincent" signed in type: Wm. H. Harrison; plus so much more on the War of…

UNITED STATES' TELEGRAPH--EXTRA, Washington,  1828  This was a campaign journal "...devoted exclusively to the Presidential election..." as stated in the masthead. It was published by Duff Green, who had come to Washington to establish a newspaper to promote the candidacy of Andrew Jackson. Mott says, "Green proved to be of the hard-hitting politician type of editor." which could be taken literally as during the publication of the "Extra", Green got involved in a fist-fight in the Capitol.
…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1800 

* President George Washington's death

Near the back under the section headed: "Obituary, with Anecdotes, of Remarkable Persons" is the very historic report of the death of George Washington.
Beginning with the date of his death, the 14th, the obituary reads in part: ".... At his seat at Mount Vernon, in America, in his 68th year, after a short illness of about 24 hours, the illustrious General George Washington. His disorder was an…