Founding Fathers (U.S.)
Founding Fathers (U.S.)
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
Letters by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #676185
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, July, 1787 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 Dr. Franklin, Containi... See More
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #674496
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 o... See More
On Ben Franklin's water spouts, with a print...
Item #682557
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1788 * Benjamin Franklin on water spouts
* Post Revolutionary War era
Perhaps the most interesting article is: "Dr. Lindsay on Dr. Franklin's Doctrine of Water-spouts" which comments on Ben Franklin's work. This article takes 2 1/2 pages and one of the plates includes prints of various water spouts.
An article: "Edict... See More
Ben Franklin's donation...
Item #663756
October 25, 1788
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 25, 1788 Page 3 has an item noting: "We learn that Dr. Franklin a few days ago presented the Hon. Vice President Redick with 50 pounds as a donation to the Academy lately erected in Washington...". Other news reports from Boston, New York & Petersburg.
Four pages, very nice condition with 17 illus. ship ads on the ... See More
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.... See More
This item is not eligible for free shipping.
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
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #652573
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789 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 items include the heading: "Commencement of Federal Government Under the ... See More
Washington to arrive for his inauguration... The new federal government begins their work...
Item #686717
April 06, 1789
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, April 6, 1789 On this very day the votes for President were counted in the Senate, the result showing Washington was elected (not reported here).
Page 2 item from Boston notes that many men elected as federal representatives have declined the honor due to "private affairs". Also: "A Proclamation" for a day of fasting & prayer, signe... See More
The early workings of Congress...
Item #686057
April 13, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, April 13, 1789
* United States Congress beginning
* Federal government in it's infancy
A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report headed: "Proceedings of Congress - House of Representatives of the United States" datelined April 11, which was 19 days before Wash... See More
Congressmen sworn in & Congress begins...
Item #658416
April 15, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Apr. 15, 1789 A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report from New York mentioning that the Speaker & other members of the House are sworn into office, with a printing of a portion of their oath.
Also some reporting of the very first item on the first Congress, that being th... See More
Congressmen sworn in & Congress begins...
Item #686051
April 15, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Apr. 15, 1789 A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report from New York mentioning that the Speaker & other members of the House are sworn into office, with a printing of a portion of their oath.
Also some reporting of the very first item on the first Congress, that being th... See More
Washington & Samuel Fraunces run a tight household... Hancock re-elected...
Item #658437
May 13, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, May 13, 1789 The front page has: "Proceedings of the Legislature of the Union" from the earliest days of the new federal government, dates from May 4-6, which includes some discussion concerning the Constitution.
A pg. 2 item from New York, dated May 6 (just 6 days after Washington's inauguration) is headed: "The President'
... See More
A pg. 2 item from New York, dated May 6 (just 6 days after Washington's inauguration) is headed: "The President'
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
Discussions in Congress... Fraunces Tavern connection...
Item #688481
June 16, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, June 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* Steward for his house advertisement
Page 2 has almost a full column of reporting of: "Congressional Intelligence" almost entirely taken up with: "...the amendments proposed by the senate to the bill for imposing duties on goods, wares, and merchandize imported into the United States."
On... See More
Washington to be dictator of America for life?
Item #680055
July 07, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 7, 1789
* President George Washington
* Dictator of American for Life ?
Page 4 has an: "Extract of a Letter From New York" which begins: "His Excellency General Washington, our new congressional President, and perhaps I might add Dictator of America for life, gave a very sumptuous entertainment on Thursday the 4th inst. on account of ... See More
From the early months of our federal government...
Item #685992
July 11, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, NY, July 11, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Page 2 has much on an oration delivered by the Reverend William Rogers before the Penna. State Society of the Cincinnati, and: "...Towards the close of the oration, Mr. Rogers...observed...to blazon the meri... See More
First inauguration of George Washington...
Item #679892
July 16, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* First inauguration (historic)
Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of t... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686042
July 22, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 22, 1789 Most of page 2 and a bit of page 2 are taken up with "Sketches of the Proceedings of Congress" providing interesting insight into the discussion of the very new federal government.
Page 3 has the full text of: "An Act Imposing duties on Tonnage" signed in type by the President: G. Washington, and the Vice Presid... 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
On the Treasury Bill and compensations for various officers...
Item #686040
July 25, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, July 25, 1789 Half of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "Slave Trade" which is a report from a French society for the abolition of the trade. One bit notes: "...The abolition, therefore, of negro slavery was esteemed by the general United States & by the convention in which they were represented, not only a measure condu... See More
The Department of State is created...
Item #659059
July 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 29, 1789
* Department of State creation
Considered by many as the most significant newspaper of the 18th century, particularly during this, the formative year of the new federal government, as the Gazette was the mouthpiece of all matters political. Most pronouncements from Congress & the President were printed first in this newspaper.
... See More
Three letters signed by George Washington...
Item #668871
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), August, 1789 * President George Washington
* Three signed letters
Over 5 1/2 pages on: "Observations on the Utility of funding the Public Debts of the United States". Also: "Observations on Manufacturing Sugar from the Sap of the Maple Tree" and an address to the President from the state of New York with the: "President... See More
Terrific display newspaper from 1789...
Item #686026
August 07, 1789
THE NORWICH PACKET & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Connecticut, Aug. 7, 1789
* Very rare 18th century publication
* Great masthead engraving for display
* First year of President George Washington
This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century, and it has been many years since we have been able to offer one. And from the founding year of the federal government with two ... See More
Washington letter signed in script type...
Item #658467
August 15, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 15, 1789
* President George Washington script signature
Over one-third of the front page is taken up with; "Proceedings in the Legislature of the Union" from the earliest months of the new federal government. Interesting reading on the concerns from this period.
The prime content would be the nice page 3 letter from the Pr... See More
Death of George Washington's mother...
Item #658469
September 09, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 9, 1789
* Mary Ball Washington death
* President's G.W.'s mother
Pgs. 2 & 3 contain reports from the: "Proceedings in the House of Representatives of the United States", this being the founding year of the federal government.
Pg. 3 has an inconspicuous yet significant report: "Died--At Fredericksburg, Mrs. Wa... See More
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
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #665279
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 One of the more successful magazines from 18th century America. 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. Included also is: "Ingenious Toasts given at York, in Penna...in the Procession formed to Celebra... 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
Cabinet positions in Washington's new government include John Jay as first Chief Justice...
Item #682219
November 01, 1789
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1789 Near the back is a report headed: "America" which details the power of the Executive Dept. of the new federal government, including: "The Executive Power, which forms one of the branches of ours new Government...to fill the different departments are appointed as follows: Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State; General Knox, Secre... See More
North Carolina ratifies the Constitution... Albany described...
Item #689152
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1789 The issue begins with a full page: "Description of the City of Albany" (plate is lacking). Other items include: "Memoirs of The Bastille"; a very interesting & detailed: "Letter III - Letters from a Pennsylvanian on his Travels Into the Eastern States..." which takes over 5 pages; a full page chart: "... See More
Four documents signed in type by John Hancock...
Item #659426
February 18, 1790
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Feb. 18, 1790
* John Hancock signed in type
Most of the front page is taken up with lengthy & detailed reports of: "Proceedings in the House of Representatives of the United States".
Page 3 contains four "Resolves" from the Mass. Legislature, each signed in type by the governor: John Hancock.
Four pages... See More
John Hancock document...
Item #660394
February 25, 1790
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Feb. 25, 1790
* John Hancock signed in type
The entire front page is taken up with reports from the: "Congress of America", carrying over to page 2. Page 3 has a Resolve by the state of Massachusetts signed in type by the governor: John Hancock.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... See More
An "Extraordinary" issue of this title, with three Acts signed by John Hancock...
Item #659434
April 20, 1790
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE EXTRAORDINARY, Boston, April 20, 1790
* John Hancock acts signed
* Massachusetts governor
An uncommon single sheet "Extra" printing outside the regular cycle of this newspaper.
Half of the front side is taken up with 3 Acts of the Mass. Legislature, each signed in type by the governor: John Hancock.
Half of the back is taken up with ads including fiv... See More
Obituary of Benjamin Franklin...
Item #675450
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1790 * Benjamin Franklin death - obituary
The most significant item is a report of the death of Benjamin Franklin listed near the back under the "Deaths" column. It begins: "At Philadelphia, aged 84 years and 3 months, Benjamin Franklin, esq. L.L.D. and F.R.S. He was born in 1706..." continuing on with more on his life & c... See More
George Washington, John Adams, John Hancock, Sam Adams, Ben Franklin...
Item #687495
June 03, 1790
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 3, 1790 Over half of the front page is taken up with the continuation of: "An Act for the Punishment of Certain Crimes Against the United States" and is signed in type by the President: George Washington, and the Vice President: John Adams.
It's always desirable to have a signature in type by President Washington ... See More
General Washington...
Item #680445
July 06, 1790
CONCORD HERALD, & NEW HAMPSHIRE INTELLIGENCER, New Hampshire, July 6, 1790
* President George Washington
On the front page under "Federal Congress" is the activity of the House of Representatives. The back page has a report about a "remarkable dwarf" who lived in New Jersey during the war and attracted "crowds of people", including Gen. Washington. Som... See More
Three documents signed by John Hancock...
Item #659455
July 08, 1790
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 8, 1790
* John Hancock signed in type
Nearly three-quarters of the front page are taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by the governor; John Hancock, and a Resolve of the legislature, also signed in type: John Hancock.
Plus, page 2 has another document from Mass. signed by: John Hancock. Also on pag... See More
Decorative front page with a John Hancock document...
Item #659457
July 22, 1790
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 22, 1790 Most of the first column is taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by the governor: John Hancock, & headed with a nice coat-of-arms engraving.
Four pages, handsome masthead, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
Four front page Acts of Congress... Buying the land at West Point... Establishing a permanent seat of government...
Item #686743
July 28, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 28, 1790
* Four Acts of United States Congress signed in script type
* West Point, New York purchased by United States
* President George Washington &Thomas Jefferson
* Establishing a permanent seat of government
Fully half of the front page is taken up with not one or two, but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: George ... See More
On Ben Franklin's will... Northwest coast of America...
Item #638619
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1790 Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin] tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave libert... See More
This historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #659321
August 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* President George Washington signs
* Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Taking about a full page of text, including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This w... See More
The historic Funding Act of 1790...
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
George Washington, Trumbull the artist, Ben Franklin...
Item #686084
September 11, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 11, 1790 The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are a continuation of an Act of Congress concerning the collection of duties, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 3 has a nice letter signed in type by: George Washington which is concerning the "...elegant barge...." which carried Washington over the river to his formal arrival i... See More
Building a lighthouse on Cape Henry... Treasury Dept. document on the historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #682060
September 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 29, 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, wher
... See More
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, wher
Washington inspects the land for building the federal city...
Item #686083
October 29, 1790
THE NEW YORK JOURNAL & PATRIOTIC REGISTER, Oct. 29, 1790
* President George Washington
* Early Washington D.C. construction
* Future of the federal government
Half of page 2 is the conclusion of an "Act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the Duties imposed by Law on Goods, Wares...imported into the United States...".
Page 3 has an item noting:
... See More
* President George Washington
* Early Washington D.C. construction
* Future of the federal government
Half of page 2 is the conclusion of an "Act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the Duties imposed by Law on Goods, Wares...imported into the United States...".
Page 3 has an item noting:
On the funeral of the governor...
Item #671042
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 State... See More
Alexander Hamilton... Isaac Franks... Knox's War Dept. report...
Item #686080
January 12, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1791 The bottom of page 3 has a letter from the "Treasury Department" signed in type by the Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton, to the Speaker of the House of Rep., concerning national financial matters.
Among the many front page ads is one for: "ISAAC FRANKS, Stock and Exchange Broker...Buys
... See More
Among the many front page ads is one for: "ISAAC FRANKS, Stock and Exchange Broker...Buys
1791 Creating the District of Columbia...
Item #664962
February 01, 1791
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1791
* Creating the District of Columbia
* Early United States government
* President George Washington
Over 3 1/2 pages are taken up with a: "Description of Cape Cod & the Country of Barnstable", continued in a future issue. Also: "Picture of Jamaica" which curiously begins: "Jamaica is the dunghill of the universe... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #669532
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 t... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
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