Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
The King declares Americans are free & independent...
Item #703552
December 10, 1782
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 10, 1782
* American independence acknowledged
* By King George III of England (speech)
* Historic event that propelled U.S. freedom
Certainly the most notable content is that found on pages 2 & 3, the very historic speech by the King of England to his Parliament, dated Dec. 5, 1782.
In this notable speech the King declares that the Americans ar... See More
Bunker Hill... Post Revolutionary War engraving...
Item #703551
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1790 * Full page engraving of Bunker Hill
Certainly the prime piece is the very nice, full page engraved plate captioned: "View of Bunker's Hill" which is accompanied by a brief article which includes: "...very accurate & pretty drawing of Bunker's Hill, within the encampments of the Generals Howe and Clin... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this news... See More
John Hancock, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson...
Item #703520
January 30, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and have not taken arms against the King of Great Britain...... See More
Burgoyne on his surrender to General Gates at Saratoga... Washington's Proclamation to deserters...
Item #703518
December 08, 1777
THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777
* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty.
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from G... See More
Trial of Burgoyne over his surrender at Saratoga...
Item #703517
September 24, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778
* General John Burgoyne
* Surrender at Saratoga
* Revolutionary War
* British scrutiny in Britain
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
* General John Burgoyne
* Surrender at Saratoga
* Revolutionary War
* British scrutiny in Britain
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report beg
... See More
On the independence of America...
Item #703516
June 20, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 20, 1782
* American independence ?
* Revolutionary War Era
* In a patriot publication
The front page begins with a letter from the King of France to Count de Rochambeau concerning hopes for peace and events at the close of the Revolutionary War. Also a front page item: "Seasonable Thoughts" noting in part: "The conduct... See More
Printed by Benjamin Franklin, but without the imprint...
Item #703481
July 26, 1750
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 26, 1750 A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French &... See More
Printed by Benjamin Franklin, but without the imprint...
Item #703480
October 04, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753 A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French &... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703479
August 02, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1753 In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much-desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint... See More
Fine issue on Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga...
Item #703446
December 12, 1777
LLOYD'S EVENING POST, London, Dec. 12, 1777 This is a fine issue on the historic surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, the event which when learned in Europe encouraged further support for the American cause among the French & others.
Page 4 begins with a letter signed in type: Horatio Gates, datelined at Albany, October 19, 1777, that begins: "I have the pleasure to send your Hon... See More
John Adams becomes the American Ambassador to England...
Item #703445
June 04, 1785
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 4, 1785
* Founding father John Adams promotion (Ambassador)
* First American Minister Plenipotentiary to Great Britain
The front page begins with a brief item noting John Adams being formally received as the American ambassador to England: "This day John Adams, Esq., minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, had a private... See More
Unrest among the nations along the Mississippi River... Ben Franklin...
Item #703437
November 04, 1791
THE WORLD, London, Nov. 4, 1791 Page 2 has a brief item: "Greater jealousies than ever subsist between the French, Spanish, and American Colonies on the banks of the Mississippi; each party complains of the encroachments of the other, although each has more ground than they can possibly occupy."
The top of page 3 has an: "Anecdote of Dr. Franklin".
Four pages, a few min... See More
Nice account of the French & Indian War: Rogers' Rangers... Jonathan Swift...
Item #703424
July 08, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 8, 1758 Page 6 has over half a column headed: "America" being a letter from Philadelphia noting in part: "Our military operations are nearly as late as usual...There will be about 16,000 provincials raised north-eastward of Delaware...500 rangers under Major Rogers...the professed design is to invade Canada by the route of Crown Point. General Abercrombie ... See More
Reports on the French & Indian War...
Item #703423
November 09, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 9, 1758 The middle of the front page has a report from New York headed: "America" with naval reports.
Page 6 has another report headed: "America" with reports from New York and South Carolina, the former including: "We hope to have another brush with M. Montcalm at the breastwork this fall...when we shall then be able to muster ab... See More
The colonies during the Revolutionary War...
Item #703380
March 10, 1778
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 10, 1778
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
An inside page has an interesting report signed by "A Manufacturer" concerning the potential problems with sending artisans & others learned in the trades to America, noting: "...Let us therefore no longer alarm ourselves with the imaginar
... See More
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
An inside page has an interesting report signed by "A Manufacturer" concerning the potential problems with sending artisans & others learned in the trades to America, noting: "...Let us therefore no longer alarm ourselves with the imaginar
The Boston Massacre: the definitive report in a London newspaper...
Item #703367
April 24, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770
* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a... See More
The Boston Port Act, in a London newspaper...
Item #703363
April 02, 1774
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774
* Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
* Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea
The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance is the page 2, 3 & 4 printing of the Boston Por... See More
Nice end of war events...
Item #703350
January 03, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Jan. 3, 1782 There is a wealth of content on the closing days of the Revolutionary War, including the entire front page taken up with "An Ordinance Ascertaining What captures on Water shall be Lawful." It contains much detail on taking ships in open water, including specifics on how to handle captured negroes, etc.
Page 2 has a note that: "..... See More
Praise for an end to the war... Praise for Ben Franklin...
Item #703321
August 09, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1783 Page 2 has over half a column is taken up with: "The Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia & the Liberties thereof, to his Excellency the President and Congress of the United States". This address deals with the end of the war with England, one small bit noting: "...we beg leave to assure ... See More
Celebrating peace with England...
Item #703320
June 02, 1783
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783 One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a d
... See More
Edmund Burke's conciliatory plan...
Item #703310
May 13, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 13, 1775
* Edmund Burke - Anglo-Irish statesman speech
* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War
All of pages 1 and 2 are taken up with continued discussion in the House of Lords: "Authentic Debates on the New-England Fishery Bill". This was one of the notable Restraining Acts... See More
Over half of Thomas Paine's "American Crisis" Essay #2...
Item #703307
February 10, 1777
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777
* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by P... See More
The first newspaper in New Jersey, plus war-related content...
Item #703304
April 05, 1780
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 5, 1780 New Jersey was the last of the 13 original colonies to have a newspaper, its first issue printed on December 5, 1777.
The front page has a report noting: "...with respect to the wounded on board the King's ships Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, I cannot but acquit myself of his Majesty's strict orders, by renewing the strongest and most urgen... See More
Dr. Church's traitorous letter to the British... General Lee's letter to General Burgoyne...
Item #703299
January 04, 1776
NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776
* Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church
* British General Thomas Gage
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed: "Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne" datelined: &... See More
From not long before Cornwallis would surrender at Yorktown...
Item #703298
May 02, 1781
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1781
* Pre-surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War original
A very nice issue from just five months before Cornwallis would surrender to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The front page has a report: "In Council" at Phila. beginning... See More
Great on the Battle of Camden, South Carolina...
Item #703297
December 19, 1780
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1780 See the photos for the very handsome masthead which features ornate lettering and an engraving of a ship.
A great issue as two-thirds of the front page and one-third of page 2 are taken up with the details of the Battle of Camden, South Carolina. The report is taken from the "London Gazette Extraordinary"... See More
Celebrating peace with England...
Item #703293
June 02, 1783
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War ending events
* Peace celebrations in Massachusetts
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. ... See More
Angry Loyalists, and much more...
Item #703291
May 12, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, May 12, 1783 A nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which shows "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose.
Over half of the front page has an item from London: "Anecdotes of the Count De Grasse" which begins: "The capt... See More
Excellent account of the Sullivan Expedition...
Item #703290
October 13, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1779 The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a very fine & detailed account of the Sullivan Expedition. The report is signed in type by John Sullivan, who commanded the expedition.
This was a U.S. military campaign of the Revolutionary War, lasting from June to October 1779 against the
... See More
Negotiating a treaty with France... The war on Long Island & at Rhode Island...
Item #703279
August 13, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778 Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from Fishkill on the battles at Long Island & Staten Island, then a letter to General Heath... See More
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis&q... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776... See More
General Howe's offer pardon to those who return their allegiance to the King...
Item #703273
December 19, 1776
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776
* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown
Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had ju... See More
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
The Federal edifice: a famous engraving!
Item #703265
January 16, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, January 16, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of Massachusetts
* Pillars illustration - cartoon
This is one of the more 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 Independen... See More
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
Lengthy Jefferson report... Marie Antoinette is sentenced and beheaded...
Item #703231
January 15, 1794
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 15, 1794
* Marie Antoinette sentence & beheading
* Thomas Jefferson commerce report
* Secretary of State to U.S. Congress
This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 2, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
All of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report Of t... See More
Washington and General Anthony Wayne...
Item #703230
June 07, 1796
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 7, 1796
* President George Washington
* Asks United States Congress to act
* Possession of Detroit & Michilimackinac
Near the bottom of the front page is a note to Congress concerning the taking possession of the posts at Detroit and Michilimachiac, signed in type by the President: G. Washington.
Page 3 has a note: "Letters... See More
Inaugural addresses of John Adams, and much more...
Item #703229
March 08, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, March 8, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* V.P. Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To George Washington" from the Penna. legislature on his retirement from public office, to which he responded with a letter signed in type; Go. Washington.
This is followed by another similar letter to the President, ag... See More
New York prepares for Washington's inaugural ceremonies...
Item #703228
April 04, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789
* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president
Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower, and TWO of the Upper House wanting...it is expected there will be a ... See More
Was Napoleon murdered? Victory in the Quasi-War...
Item #703226
March 20, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, March 20, 1799 Page 3 has a report from the Quasi-War with France: Truxton's Victory" as well as an: "Extract of a letter from Captain Stephen Decatur..." dated at the "Gulph of Florida".
Page 3 also has a curious item noting in part: "...Mr. Liston has news from Jamaica, late date from Europe, which gives a confirmation of the murd... See More
Adams calls the first special session of Congress...
Item #703222
May 26, 1797
THE PHENIX; OR WINDHAM HERALD, Connecticut, May 26, 1797
* Uncommon publication with nice masthead
* First special session of U.S. Congress
On the front page headed: "President's Speech which takes over half of the front page and a portion of page 2 is a report dated "May 16".
In the speech President John Adams discusses the increased tensions betw... See More
Alexander Hamilton responds to criticism on the salary of the President...
Item #703221
November 30, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, November 26 and 30, 1795 A nice pair of issues as the first has the entire front page (and a bit of page 2) taken up with: "Explanation--By Mr. Hamilton, on the subject of a late attack upon the President of the United States and the former and present Secretary of the Treasury, in relation to the compensation of the President".
This lengthy report c... See More
Travels of the "Chief"... USS Washington to be bought by the government...
Item #703214
November 19, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 19, 1798 Page 3 has a report from Baltimore concerning the travels of George Washington with a curious beginning: "This morning arrived in tow, the Chief who unites all hearts... escorted in by captains Hollingworth's & Bentalou's troops...had the gratification of being reviews bye him...to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spec... See More
On the Edmund Randolph resignation...
Item #703213
January 12, 1796
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Jan. 12, 1796 Half of page 2 is taken up with letters & reports concerning Edmund Randolph's resignation as Secretary of State, two letters signed in type by: Go. Washington.
As a bit of background, Wikipedia offers:
"A scandal involving an intercepted French message led to Randolph's resignation from Washington's cabinet in August
... See More
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
Washington's Farewell Address...
Item #703206
September 29, 1796
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 29, 1796
* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement)
If there was a list of the most historic utterances of the post-Revolutionary War era, this issue would have to rank near the top.
All of pages 1 and 2, and nearly a column of page 3 are taken up with an address: "To The People of the United... See More
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