Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 27, 1774
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
A great rarity: an early volume one issue of the Massachsetts Spy...
Item #687191
September 22, 1770
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, (Boston), September 22, 1770
* Very early famous 18th century publication
* Volume 1 issue - Isaiah Thomas as publisher
This innocuous looking newspaper is arguably the most famous of all American titles of the 18th century. It began in July, 1770, this being issue number 22. It is exceedingly rare to find this title from the first year of publication.
The famed Isa... See More
Four front page signatures by George Washington...
Item #687171
May 28, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 28, 1796
* President George Washington
A very displayable newspaper, as the front page has not one but four Acts of Congress with each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. One concerns: "...allowing compensation for horses killed in battle belonging to officers of the army of the United States."
The back page features 12 ill... See More
An address to the President, with his response...
Item #687169
October 10, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 10, 1798 Page 2 has an: "Address" prefaced with: "Among the numerous addresses presented to the President few, if any, have been better expressed than the following." signed: James Oliver. This is followed by the President's reply signed: John Adams.
Four pages, two very discrete archival mends inside, great c... See More
Further on Ethan Allen's narrative of his captivity...
Item #687145
November 20, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779
* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine.
All of ... See More
John Adams letter... Refuting Washington's death...
Item #686886
January 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 19, 1799
* President John Adams letter
* Refuting George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter to the New York legislature signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Following it is a note which begins: "Some if the infernals who infest the United States have reported...the death of our beloved Fabius-Maximus, of Mount Vernon. The tale is ... See More
Charles Bulfinch's first major project...
Item #686875
October 27, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 27, 1798
* Charles Bulfinch designs Federal Street Theatre
* First American-born professional architect
The front page has an address: "To the President of the United States" from the officers of the Guilford Regiment of militia, relating to the troubling relationship with France. It is followed by his "Answer" signed in type: Joh... See More
John Adams and the Bank of the United States...
Item #686859
July 21, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 21, 1798
* President John Adams signed act
* Bank of the United States fraud
The front page has half a column take up with: "An Act to Punish Frauds committed on the Bank of the United States" signed in script type: John Adams.
Page 2 has a document headed: "John Adams, President of the United States of America: To All Whom It May Conc... See More
John Adams' letter to the Masons...
Item #686853
June 30, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 30, 1798
* President John Adams
* Masonic - Masons address
Page 2 has an address of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Boston to the President, with his: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams. Also the President's letter to the people of Braintree, Mass., also signed: John Adams.
Four pages, slightly close-trimmed to a portion of the bottom margi... See More
John Adams Acts... with script signatures...
Item #686849
June 02, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1798
* President John Adams
* 3 Acts of Congress
The front page has three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass.
Four pages, minor stain near the top, nice condition. A dis
... See More
* President John Adams
* 3 Acts of Congress
The front page has three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass.
Four pages, minor stain near the top, nice condition. A dis
Silence is cowardice; neutrality is treason...
Item #686847
May 16, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1798 The front page has a lengthy letter being an: "Answer to the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia..." signed in type by the President: John Adams. Also: "The Address - John Adams, President of the United States" by the young men of Boston concerning the potential for war & noting: "...when the most conciliating measures w... See More
Letters to the President...
Item #686846
May 05, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 5, 1798 The front page has the: "Address of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth to the President of the United States" and "Address of the Inhabitants of the town of Portland to the President of the United States" with page 2 having two more from Philadelphia and Brookline, with his response to the Phila. letter signed: John Adams.
The front pag... See More
John Adams script signature on the front page...
Item #686819
April 07, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 7, 1798
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Fifth Congress of the United states
Most of the third column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and by the Vice President, Th. Jefferson, concerning the prevention of trade with foreign countries.
Other news of the day... See More
The French Constitution... Article concerning Ben Franklin...
Item #686814
December 10, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 10, 1791 The entire front page is taken up with the second (of 4) installment of: "The French Constitution Revised, Amended, and Finally Decreed, by the National Assembly".
Page 2 begins with: "Congressional Intelligence" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. Also inside is an address: "To Josiah Harmar, Brig. General of the ... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686811
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Dr. Joseph Priestley... France eliminates knighthood...
Item #686807
September 28, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 28, 1791 A page 3 report says: "A subscription was opened in London, before Capt. Scott sailed, for the purpose of building a large and elegant Chapel for the Rev. Dr. Priestley." Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
There is much concerning the French Revolution including a page 2 item: "National Assembly - Abolition Of... See More
Enshrinement of Voltaire in the Pantheon... Thomas Paine's 'The Rights of Man'...
Item #686806
September 24, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 24, 1791 The top of the front page has: "VOLTAIRE!" which is a report from Paris describing the tribute to him, the consecration of his body at the French Pantheon, & much on the funeral procession which carries over to page 2.
Page 2 also has: "The Creed of Voltaire" as well as a report from Portsmouth that: "Last Friday the Co... See More
Washington names the new Post Master General... The situation in Pittsburgh...
Item #686796
August 24, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 24, 1791
* President George Washington
* Timothy Pickering appointed
Page 2 has a report that: "Another expedition to the Indian country is now in operation--it consists of 500 men...". This is followed by a letter from Pittsburgh noting in part: "...since I came to this place not a life has been lost within the reach of our parties. Th... See More
Appointing the Postmaster General... Honoring Alexander Hamilton...
Item #686790
July 30, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1791 Page 3 includes: "We are informed that the President of the United States has been pleased to appoint William Jackson Post Master General of the United States."
Above this is a report of the celebration of the 4th of July, and also a note that: "The Coroporation of the Chamber of Commerce of New York last week gave an elegant entertai... See More
Treatment of Indians... Louis XVI on the colors of the flags...
Item #686786
May 14, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1791 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "Commonn Sense -- In Answer to Burke's Phillipick" which relates to Thomas Paine's work, plus much concerning he French Revolution and several references to the Maquis de LaFayette.
Page 2 has "A Law" from France, signed by the King: Louis, concerning a Decree of the Nati... See More
Vermont to debate & hopefully ratify the Constitution...
Item #686775
November 17, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 17, 1790
* United States Constitution
The front page has an article headed: "Religious Toleration" & another: "Beware of Counterfeits".
Page 3 has an item from "Vermont" noting: "The legislature of that state has passed an Act for calling a State Convention to meet at Bennington...for the purpose of assenting to, ... See More
Masthead taken from Paul Revere... LaFayette joins the Continental Army...
Item #686745
July 31, 1777
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Massachusetts, July 31, 1777
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Lafayette join the Continental Army
* American Revolutionary War
The masthead featurese an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner insc... See More
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
Speech signed by John Hancock... Vermont joins the Union...
Item #686732
January 29, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1791
* John Hancock signed speech
* Vermont statehood - joins union
Over half of page 2 and a bit of page 3 are taken up with the "Speech" of the governor of Massachusetts which is signed in type: JOHN HANCOCK. It is rare to find newspapers with documents signed by Hancock.
Page 3 has a report noting: "This day the Hon. Aaron ... See More
John Jay and his 'Jay Treaty'...
Item #686714
April 16, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, April 16, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
The masthead has an engraving of the sun surrounded by stars. Page 3 has: "Mr. Jay" which begins: "...that distinguished patriot, federalist, and statesman, will doubtless be appointed governor of the state of New York...The Treaty which he has effected is reported to be highly favorable... See More
Washington Act of Congress on the front page... President's image not to be on the coins...
Item #686711
April 07, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 7, 1792 Near half of the front page is taken up with an: "Act to Provide for the Settlement of the Claims of Widows and Orphans barred by the Limitations heretofore Established & to Regulate the Claims to Invalid Pensions" which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Th. Jefferson.
Page 2... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686710
November 14, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 a... See More
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
President Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686595
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790 * President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address
Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range... See More
News of Cornwallis' surrender... Benedict Arnold & the Battle of Groton Heights...
Item #686426
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1781* Revolutionary War
* Cornwallis' surrender
* Gen. Benedict Arnold
* Battle of Groton Heights
Near the back is a section headed: "American News" which has a "Copy of a Letter from Brig. Gen. Arnold to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated Sound off Plumb Island, Sept. 8, 1781" which takes over an entire pa... See More
Death of President William H. Harrison, in a Washington newspaper...
Item #686317
April 07, 1841
KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., April 7, 1841
* President William H. Harrison
* Washington D.C. death - John Tyler
This was an uncommon title which lasted but 4 years. The prospectus (not here) notes it was a semi-weekly devoted to "...the security of the right of suffrage by additional laws to punish bribery & fraud...an exposure of abuses & corruptions in gov... See More
Cornwallis surrenders to Washington at Yorktown...
Item #686313
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782 * Lord Charles Cornwallis
* General George Washington
* Surrender at Yorktown - Virginia
This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had th... See More
Election of Andrew Jackson... Cherokee Indians & land troubles...
Item #686281
November 22, 1828
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 22, 1828
* President Andrew Jackson election
* Cherokee Indians Nation
One of the front page reports has a small head: "The Election" which begins: "The most anxious & ardent, as well as the most rude & ruthless political contest that ever took place in the United States, is now decided in the election of a large major... See More
Andrew Jackson's State-of-the-Union address...
Item #686279
December 10, 1831
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 10, 1831
* President Andrew Jackson
* State of the Union Address
Of special note is the complete & lengthy text of President Andrew Jackson's state-of-the-union address which occupies the last four pages, signed by him in type: Andrew Jackson. In it he reviews all that transpired in 1831.
Also of interest is a complete listing... See More
Andrew Jackson's state-of-the-union address to the people...
Item #686278
December 08, 1832
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 8, 1832
* President Andrew Jackson
* State of the Union Address
Nearly 5 1/2 pages are taken up with the: "President's Message" being the annual state-of-the-union address of the President to Congress, and the people.
This was an annual tradition begun by George Washington which continues to this day. The address recounts the... See More
War of 1812 shipping embargo....
Item #686243
April 14, 1812
THE REPERTORY & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 14, 1812 A very historic front page, as it includes a report headed: "EMBARGO" which reports on the voting for this historic measure which would lead to the War of 1812 with England.
The front page also has the: "Confidential Message" to the senate, in which the President states: "...expedient under existing
... See More
The front page also has the: "Confidential Message" to the senate, in which the President states: "...expedient under existing
Creating trading houses with the Indians...
Item #686220
July 11, 1811
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 11, 1811
* Indians - Native Americans
* Early trading posts
Over a full column is taken up with n Act of Congress: "For establishing trading houses with the Indian tribes.", signed in type by he President: James Madison. Two more Acts are from the Mass. legislature.
Four pages, small piece from a blank margin, very nice condition.... See More
Renewing trade agreements with England after the War of 1812...
Item #686211
January 02, 1816
NEW-HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT, Concord, Jan. 2, 1816 Page 2 has: "Commercial Treaty with England" containing the text of: "A Convention To Regulate the Commerce between the Territories of the United States and His Britannic Majesty." It is signed in type by American diplomats and James Madison as President.
This was an important treaty that eliminated various duties and all... See More
Resuming trade agreements after the War of 1812...
Item #686210
December 30, 1815
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Dec. 30, 1815 On the front page under "State Paper" is: "A Convention To Regulate the Commerce between the Territories of the United States and of His Britannic Majesty", signed in type: John Q. Adams, H. Clay, & four others, plus James Madison.
This was an important treaty which nullified most duties and allowed the U.S. to trade with the ... See More
The Hornet vs. the Peacock... Nine Acts of Congress signed by Madison...
Item #686209
March 31, 1813
AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, March 31, 1813
* USS Hornet vs. HMS Peacock
* War of 1812 original reporting
* President James Madison
Half of the front page is taken up with 5 Acts of Congress each signed in type by: James Madison. Five more on page 2 as well.
Page 3 has: "Fifth Naval Victory! Over the Enemy" which is the battle of the Hornet vs. the Peacock. Inclu... See More
Fourteen Acts each signed by James Madison...
Item #686207
November 09, 1813
AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Nov. 9, 1813 Nice heraldic eagle engraving in the masthead. The ftpg. has three Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: James Madison.
The Acts of Congress continue on page 2 with eleven more, each signed in type by: James Madison. One is for allowing the President to buy new furniture for the White House, and another is "To establish the tow... See More
Six script signatures by President John Adams...
Item #686204
April 25, 1801
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 25, 1801 The front page contains six Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, making this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, minor nick to a back leaf margin, nice condition.
Documents relating to the beginning of the War of 1812...
Item #686203
May 06, 1812
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 6, 1812
* James Madison Embargo Act
* Prelude to the War of 1812
The front page has nearly two columns taken up with a great letter headed: "Reflections on WAR!" being part of a sermon. This was from just two months before the War of 1812 would be formally declared.
Also on the front page is a notable: "Law of the United States" ti... See More
Act protecting American industries against foreign competition...
Item #686196
May 06, 1816
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, May 6, 1816 Page 2 has: "AN ACT to regulate the duties on Imports and Tonnage" signed in type by the President: James Madison. This was an important piece of legislation that continued the protective duties established in the War of 1812 and which provided a shield for developing American industries against stiff foreign competition in the postwar era... See More
Launching the frigate Psyche...
Item #686195
January 14, 1815
NEW YORK EVENING POST, Jan. 14, 1815
* HMS Psyche launching
Page 2 begins with "An Act" of Congress which takes 1 1/2 columns, signed in type by the President: James Madison. Page 2 also has: "...an attempt was made to launch the frigate Psyche, which did not succeed, owing to the severity of the cold. This day she went safely into her element in a most handsome style. ... See More
James Madison, and the War of 1812...
Item #686193
September 06, 1813
FEDERAL REPUBLICAN & COMMERCIAL GAZETTE, Georgetown, (Col.), Sept. 6, 1813. Taking all of the front page are two acts laying duties on various items, each signed in type: James Madison. An uncommon title from the District of Columbia.
Inside has some War of 1812 content including an article: "The Enemy:"
Four pages, water staining to a bottom quadrant, minor foxing.... See More
On the Non-Intercourse law... Did the governor die?
Item #686179
July 27, 1809
BOSTON GAZETTE, July 27, 1809 The front page has most of a column taken up with AN ACT...The Amended Non-Intercourse Law." concerning relations with England and France, signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 has a curious item: "A Danbury paper of July 19 announces...the death of his Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. This report, we think, and sincerely hope, is p... See More
John Adams signs an Act of Congress... Brown University...
Item #686177
September 14, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1799
* President John Adams
* Act of Congress
* Brown University
On the front page under Laws of the United States is an Act of Congress signed in script type: John Adams. Also under Rhode Island Commencement (now Brown University) is a list of the exercises that occurred at the recent commencement.
Other news of the day includes
... See More
* President John Adams
* Act of Congress
* Brown University
On the front page under Laws of the United States is an Act of Congress signed in script type: John Adams. Also under Rhode Island Commencement (now Brown University) is a list of the exercises that occurred at the recent commencement.
Other news of the day includes
Pushing for an embargo...
Item #686176
April 20, 1812
CONNECTICUT MIRROR, Hartford, April 20, 1812 The front page has a brief yet historically significant document signed by the President: James Madison, asking Congress to impose: "...a general Embargo be laid on all vessels now in port...for the period of 60 days..." with a bit more. Over half of the front page & much of page 2 have a discussion in Congress of an embargo. T... See More
Act of Congress signed by President John Adams...
Item #686166
September 30, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 30, 1799 Close to half of the front page & some of page 2 are taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Four pages, nice condition.
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
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