Historic Newspapers: War of 1812

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1812  The top of page 2 has a breaking news report headed: "EMBARGO. By Express from Washington in 76 hours...containing the Highly Alarming Information that an Embargo would be proposed to Congress on Wednesday last..." with further details (see). All set in larger-than-normal type.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE WEEKLY MESSENGER, Boston, May 1, 1812  Page 2 has: "Buonaparte's Treatment to the American" taking most of a column & introduced with: "The following is a plain unvarnished narrative of the cruelties & sufferings experienced by one of our fellow citizens during his captivity with our 'dear friends'...".
Four pages, damp staining to the bottom half, otherwise good.

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 16, 1812  Inside has nearly 2 pages taken up with a quite detailed biography of the military history of: "Major-General Henry Dearborn, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army" with a great on his career in the Revolutionary War. Also: "Cultivation of the Vine" takes over half a page concerning vineyards.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 9 3/1/4 4 inches, nice condition.

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 16, 1812  Inside has nearly 2 pages taken up with a quite detailed biography of the military history of: "Major-General Henry Dearborn, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army" with a great on his career in the Revolutionary War. Also: "Cultivation of the Vine" takes over half a page concerning vineyards.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 9 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 3, 1812 

* Declaration of war close
* War of 1812 to begin

Page 2 has a notable report headed: "War with England!" stating: "A letter has been received in town from a Senator of the United States, dated May 28th, which says, The Committee of the Senate on Foreign Affairs have agreed unanimously [Mr. Lloyd being absent] to recommend a Declaration of War against---England."
Three weeks later this newspaper would report that war has officially been…

SUPPLEMENT TO THE CONNECTICUT HERALD, June 9, 1812  The entire four page issue is taken up with various "Correspondence"  with an introductory note signed by the President: James Madison, which includes: "I communicate to Congress...correspondence of the Secretary of State & the Minister Plenipotentiary of the U.S. at Paris. These documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France." from the month we declared war on England. Includes are 2 documents signed by:…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 24, 1812  

* War of 1812 declared
* Declaration of war
* President James Madison

On page 2 under " WAR !  Unqualified WAR ! " is a report stating in part:  "The overwhelming calamity--so much dreaded by many--so little expected by the community at large--but so long considered inevitable by a few--has befallen OUR COUNTRY--and accelerated by its Rulers. An unqualified WAR has been declared against Great Britain...".
Following this report is the:…

NEW-ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, June 26, 1812 

* War of 1812 declaration by United States 
* President James Madison proclamation

 The middle of the front page has the very historic: "Proclamation" "By The President of the United States of America" & signed by James Madison, declaring that a state of war exists between the United States & England, marking the official beginning of the War of 1812.
This is followed by the "...Yeas and Nays in each House on the final passage of the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1812  

* War of 1812 declaration by United States 
* President James Madison proclamation

In the last column of the front page is the very historic: "Proclamation" "By The President of the United States of America" & signed by James Madison, declaring that a state of war exists between the United States & England, marking the official beginning of the War of 1812.
Most of the balance of the front page is taken up with the very lengthy & detailed: "War Report"…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 8, 1812  The front page begins with a rarely report event, headed: "Savage Attack on the Brig Otter". Taking over a full column is the: "Account of the Attack Made by the Indians of Chilcaaht on Board the Brig Otter, Samuel Hill, Master, April 12, 1811. This failed attack happened off the coast of Alaska.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 9, 1812  The front page has a proclamation by the governor of Massachusetts: "PROCLAMATION, For A Day Of Public Fasting, Humiliation And Prayer, signed in block type: CALEB STRONG. Additional reports from the early weeks of the War of 1812 include: "War Or No War" "Commodore Rogers" "Privateers Look Out!!!" "General Orders" from the governor of Mass. beginning: "War having been declared by the government of the U.S. against G. Britain..." with more. 
Four…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 11, 1812  Reports inside include: "Militia of Virginia" which mentions going to war against England. Also part of a continuing article on: "Paul Jones" being the famed John Paul Jones. Also: "Military Notices" and other tidbits which relate to early events on the War of 1812.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 9 3/4 inches, nice condition.

As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily…

ALEXANDRIA DAILY GAZETTE COMMERCIAL & POLITICAL, Virginia, July 13, 1812  

* Very rare 19th century American publication

A very scarce title, in fact we believe this is the first we have encountered it. There are no issues of this date recorded in Brigham outside of the American Antiquarian Society.
The masthead features an engraving of George Washington. 
Pages 1 and 4 are filled with ads including one: "Fifty Dollars Reward...a Negro Man Slave named Ben..." with details.
Four pages,…

THE WASHINGTONIAN, Windsor, Vermont, July 20, 1812  

* Nice masthead for display

The dominant feature of this issue is the very displayable masthead, featuring a large engraving of a heraldic eagle with an 11-inch banner. Although we once had many of this title, this is one of our last.
Printed during the early months of the War of 1812, it is not surprising that pages 2, 3 & 4 have some war-related reports.
Four pages, a few minor binding slots at the blank spine, very nice 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…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 23, 1812  The front page has some reports concerning celebrations for the 4th of July. Inside includes: "Naval Intelligence" "General Orders" signed in type: H. Dearborn, Major-General U.S. Army. Then "An Act" of Congress concerning the organizing of a volunteer military corps, signed by the President: James Madison. Also: "More Successful Privateering" and a few other war-related items.

THE WAR, New York, July 25, 1812   The entire front page is taken up with continued reports from "Congress" including discussion relating to the War of 1812.
Page 2 has an item beginning: "The royal printer at Montreal, on the reception of the news of war, called loudly upon his fellow subjects to arouse from their lethargy & prepare to defend the country. The present crisis (says he) is too alarming to be trifled with. All is at stake...".
Also: "The Conquest of Canada" plus a listing of:…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1812  

* General William Hull
* Invasion of Canada success
* War of 1812

Much from the early months of the War of 1812 including: "British Navy--American Station" being a chart of their ships commanders, and size; "North-Western Army" which is a nice letter beginning: "When the army came to the foot of the rapids of Maumee  river, governor Hull not having received intelligence of the declaration of war...". Also a great letter from Zanesville, Ohio,…

NEW YORK HERALD, August 22, 1812 

* Scudder's American Museum
* Leatherback sea turtle display

A back page notice for the: "Mammoth Turtle In Scudder's American Museum" takes nearly half a column and offers many details about this enormous creature. Includes a rather large woodcut of the turtle's head as well.
Complete with all 4 pages, nice condition.

Background: This August 22, 1812, issue of the New York Herald captures a fascinating intersection of early American pop culture and wartime…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1812  Page 2 has some reports on the War of 1812 with: "Our Army of the North West" which announces: "...we have the mortification to subjoin two official documents which put aside all doubts as to the certainty of the fact, that Gen Hull had capitulated to the British...". This is followed by the: "History of the Campaign" of General Hull with him surrendering the port of Michilimackinac to the British without a single shot being fired. And a month later Gen. William…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Sept. 14, 1812  Page 2 has some nice reports on the War of 1812 with: "British Barbarity" "The Navy Destroyed by Federalists" "The War" "The North-Western Army" "Military Movements" and more.
Four pages, various foxing, good condition.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Sept. 21, 1812  The front page has a full column with the; "Letter From Commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy" from on board the U.S. frigate President, in which he gives a detailed account of his actions.
Inside has: "General Hull" "Letter of Col. Case of the Army later under the Command of Brig. Gen. Wm. Hull, to the Secretary of War" which takes 1 1/2 columns. Also: "U.S. Frigate Essex" & "Naval Intelligence".
The back page has a political rally…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 3, 1812  This issue is from the early months of the War of 1812 with various war-related reports. Some include various naval reports on the front page; " Proclamation" signed by George Prevost; "Province of Lower Canada" "Admiral Warren's Squadron" and other items.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, October 3, 1812 The entire front page is taken up with a printing of the "Articles of Confederation & Perpetual Union" which were approved by Congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781. The text carries over to take most of page 2 as well, where it concludes with the signature of the various members of Congress.
Other items include: "An Act to Prohibit American Vessels from Proceeding to or Trading with the Enemies of the United States..." signed by Henry Clay &…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Oct. 5, 1812  The front page has a full column taken up with five Acts of Congress, each signed in type by he President: James Madison.
Inside has several reports on the War of 1812 including: "Military Movements" "The Freedom of the Sea, or War!" "Americans In Canada" "Anglo-Savages" "Green Mountain Patriots" "American Spirit" and "Latest From England".
Four pages, nice condition.

THE WAR, New York, Oct. 10, 1812  The front page is entirely taken up with "Copies of Letters" including 3 signed in type: D. Porter, 2 datelined "at sea" and the third: "mouth of the Delaware"; plus a letter from Adm. J. T. Duckworth to David Porter.
Inside has a letter signed: Eben. Huntington; "Military Movements" "Surrender of Fort Dearborn, (Chicago)" "Appointments" and more.
The back page is almost entirely taken up with a great & detailed letter: "Defence of Fort Harrison, datelined from…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Oct. 15, 1812  Page 2 has a report: "Western News" which mentions in part: "...news relative to the war operations in the North West...two large boats...entered the mouth of Genesee River and cast out two vessels...Several other vessels have been captured on the lake and some depredations committed by the English boatmen on the frontier inhabitants..." and more.
Four pages, scattered foxing, good condition.

Background: During the War of 1812, the Genesee River in western…

BOSTON PATRIOT, Oct. 17, 1812  The front page has a lengthy article headed: "Presidential Election". Inside includes: "Presidential Election" "A Proclamation" relating to the War of 1812, signed in type: James Madison. Following this are several reports relating to the War of 1812 including: "Army Movements".
Page 3 has much under: "War Intelligence". 
Four pages, nice condition.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Oct. 19, 1812  The first column is taken up with four Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: James Madison. The front pate also has a lengthy report: "Presidential Election" as well as: "General Orders" from headquarters at Fort Wayne, plus: "Commencement of the War". 
Page 2 also has several reports from the War of 1812.
Four pages, nice condition.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Oct. 22, 1812

* War of 1812 deserters
* James Madison pardon

The first column is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress as well as: "A Proclamation" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, concerning the granting of a full pardon for those who have deserted from the Army. Each is signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 includes: "Western Army" and: "War Events".
Four pages, nice condition.

THE WEEKLY MESSENGER, Boston, Oct. 23, 1812  Page 3 reports include: "Attack On Ogdensburgh" "Bad News from the Frontiers" and "Defeat of Van Rensselaer's Army!" Also a letter extract about the movements of "The Western Army".
Other reports include: "Connecticut Legislature" "The Militia" and "Bad News from the Frontiers".
Four pages, scattered foxing, good condition.

Background: The 1812 Attack on Ogdensburg occurred during the War of 1812, a conflict between the United States and…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 24, 1812  Among the articles are: "Distillation of Spirits" and a chart headed: "The War on the Ocean" "The British in the Peninsula".
Under the heading: "Events of the War" are several reports on the on-going War of 1812 including subheads: "Military" "Extract of a Letter from S. Dinsmore, Agent for the Choctaw Indians" "Exploit of the British" "Naval" and "American Prizes"
Sixteen pages, 6 1/4 by 9 1/2 inches very nice clean condition.

As noted in…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 11, 1812 Over 1 1/2 columns on the front page contain: "Copies of Letters from Major General Van Rennselaer...to Major General Dearborn...". Over half of page 2 (and a bit of pg. 3) are taken up with the "President's Message" to Congress in which he reports much on the War of 1812. It is signed in type: James Madison.
Also inside: "Another Gallant Achievement" "Battle Of Queenstown" "Important!" and other items.
Four pages, never bound nor…

CONNECTICUT MIRROR, Hartford, Nov. 16, 1812  Pages 1 and 2 have many "Documents Accompanying the President's Message to Congress" which include several to British official concerning the War of 1812. Two are signed in type: James Monroe.
Also inside: "Army In Ohio" "The President's Message".
Four pages, great condition.

BOSTON PATRIOT, Nov. 21, 1812  Page 2 has a few reports on the War of 1812 one mentioning that Commodore Chauncey has sailed for Sacket's Harbor. Also on page 2: "Mr. Madison is an Enemy to Commerce & a Navy".
Page 3 has: "War Intelligence On the Ocean" which takes a full column.
Four pages, nice condition.

BOSTON PATRIOT, Nov. 25, 1812 

* Invasion of Canada close
* Battle of Frenchman's Creek prelude
* General Alexander Smyth

Page 2 has: "Interesting Letters - from Maj. General Van Rensselaer...to Brig General Smyth of the troops of the United States. Also a letter from Henry Denison of the U.S. brig Argus concerning a naval encounter. Then a letter to the Secretary of the Navy which includes a handbill from General Smyth concerning efforts "...to proceed to the counties of Ontario,…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Nov. 26, 1812 

* American Antiquarian Society (AAS) established
* Worcester, Massachusetts - American history

Page 2 has a very significant news report headed: "American Antiquarian Society" which begins: "This Society was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature of this Commonwealth, passed October 22d, 1812. It's object is to collect and preserve the most authentic ancient documents & memorials..." with more. Also noted is that Isaiah Thomas was elected as President.
…

BOSTON PATRIOT, Nov. 28, 1812 

* Commodore Isaac Chauncey

Page 2 has: "Copy of a; Letter from Com. Chauncey to the Sec'y of the Navy" datelined from Sacket's Harbor in which he notes his military exploits and ends with: "...The officers & men under my command are all extremely anxious to meet the enemy. We cannot command success, but we will endeavor to deserve it."
Most of a column is taken up with reports from: "The Northern Army" with a nice variety of military reports from the War…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Nov. 30, 1812  Page 2 has much on the War of 1812 including: "Norther Army" which has various reports; "News From the Frontiers" "Glorious News! - General Dearborn and the 'Army of the North' are Safe" "Constitution and Guerriere" and other items. Also a bit from Washington on a "Bill for Increasing and Regulating the Pay of the Army".
Four pages, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Dec. 2, 1812

* Mississippi statehood ?
* War of 1812 - Fort Harrison

The front page has a brief item headed: "Another New State" reading: "The bill to erect a new state out of the Mississippi Territory passed by a large majority...".
Page 2 has some nice items headed: "The Glorious War!!" and another: "An Indian Town Destroyed" with some details of the events at Fort Harrison, including: "...the town & every thing in it was destroyed which could not be brought…

THE REPERTORY & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 4, 1812  The ftpg. has over a column taken up with the situation at Sacket's Harbor, including a lengthy letter from there signed in type by: Isaac Chauncey.
But the most interesting piece may be the brief report on page 2: "Of all the contemptible & ridiculous braggarts that ever disgraced the profession of a soldier, it is admitted on all sides that General ALEXANDER SMYTH stands in the very first rank."
The back story is that Smyth was to…

BOSTON PATRIOT, Dec. 5, 1812  Page 2 reports from Washington: "A bill was yesterday introduced...for increasing the Navy of the U. States...propose recommending the building of four ships of 74 guns; four large frigates; and four vessels of 16 guns...". This is followed by: "Naval Establishment" beginning: "The frigate Constellation, now lying in the Eastern Branch, ready for sea but waiting for her complement of hands..." with more concerning a social event on board.
Also on page 2: "General…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1812  The middle of the front page has a nice letter under: "Naval Chronicle" headed: "Official Letter from Capt. Jones of  the Wasp sloop, to the Secretary of the Navy" which is official account of the naval battle which resulted in the capture of the British ship Frolic. The report is signed: Jas. Jones.
The top of page 2 has: "Our Country's Naval Glory" "capture of Another First Class English Frigate" which is a nice account of the capture of the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1812   The middle of the front page has a nice letter under: "Naval Chronicle" headed: "Official Letter from Capt. Jones of the Wasp sloop, to the Secretary of the Navy" which is official account of the naval battle which resulted in the capture of the British ship Frolic. The report is signed: Jas. Jones.
The top of page 2 has: "Our Country's Naval Glory" "capture of Another First Class English Frigate" which is a nice account of the capture of the…

THE WAR, New York, Dec. 19, 1812  

* Rare Betsy Doyle report
* Fort Niagara heroine
* War of 1812

Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Official Report, to Brigadier General Smyth with much war reporting, signed in type: Geo. McFeeley, Lt. Col. Commanding Fort Niagara.
Within McFeeley's report is: "...An instance of extraordinary bravery in a female (the wife of one Doyle, a private in the United States Artillery, made a prisoner at Queenston,) I cannot pass over. During the…

CONNECTICUT MIRROR, Hartford, Dec. 28, 1812  Page 2 has much reporting from Congress as well as the military situation in Europe. The back page has an early advertisement for the: "Hartford Fire Insurance Company" (see).
Four pages, great condition.