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 21, 1796
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 29, 1796 If there was a list of the most historic utterances of the post-Revolutionary War era, this issue would have to rank 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 States: Friends and Fellow Citizens", more commonly known as Washington's Fa... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was th... See More
John Hancock on the front page... Creating the State Department...
Item #703185
June 17, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789 This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent election as governor: "...As my fellow citizens have seen... See More
On the recapture of Forts George and Niagara...
Item #703065
January 18, 1814
THE WAR, New York, Jan. 18, 1814 The front page includes: "To Thomas Barclay, British Agent for Prisoners at New York". The other pages are filled with war-related news including those headed: "Niagara Frontier" "British Official Accounts of the Recapture of Fort George & Capture of Fort Niagara" "Summary" "Naval Exploits" "Naval &am... See More
Victory of the Hornet over the Peacock...
Item #703009
April 06, 1813
THE WAR, New York, April 6, 1813 Over two-thirds of the front page is taken up with: "Official Letter from Capt. Lawrence to the Secretary of the Navy" from on board the U.S.S. Hornet. This is his detailed account of his victory over the British ship Peacock, signed: James Lawrence.
Also on the front page: "Naval Honors" celebrating the Hornet's victory over the Peac... See More
Jefferson's state-of-the-union address...
Item #702814
November 19, 1804
BOSTON GAZETTE, Nov. 19, 1804
* President Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 contains the state-of-the-union address of the President headed: "Message", signed in type at its conclusion: Tho. Jefferson.
A portion of his address deals with the new Louisiana Territory just purchased from France the previous year. One paragraph begins: "With the Indian tribes established within our newly a... See More
Acts of Congress signed by Jefferson...
Item #702779
January 29, 1803
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1803
* President Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
President Monroe's state-of-the-union address...
Item #702757
December 04, 1817
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 1817 All of the front page and a portion of the back page are taken up with the: "President's Message" being the annual state-of-the-union address, signed in type: James Monroe. Great to have this document in this newspaper from the nation's capital, where the address was given.
Four pages, nice condition.
Note: Presiden... See More
United States gains Florida from Spain: the Adams-Onis Treaty...
Item #702661
March 06, 1821
NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, Portsmouth, March 6, 1821
* Cession of Florida from Spain to United States
Over half of page 2 is taken up with what is known as the Adams-Onis Treaty, signed in Washington on February 22, 1819. By this treaty Spain ceded East Florida to the United States & renounced any claims to West Florida. The U.S. renounced its claims to Texas. Also the boundary betwee... See More
Item #702655
June 22, 1801
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, June 22, 1801 If nothing else this is a nice issue for display given the heraldic eagle in the masthead and the 43 illustrate ship ads on the front page.
Four pages, somewhat rough around the margins.
President Madison's inaugural address...
Item #702654
March 18, 1809
PORTSMOUTH ORACLE, New Hampshire, Mach 18, 1809 The front page contains in its entirety: "Mr. Madison's INAUGURAL SPEECH" with a prefacing paragraph: "This day, at twelve o'clock, His Excellency James Madison, President of the United States, appeared in the Hall of the Representatives to take the oath of office before an immense concourse of spectators and delive... See More
The Leopard attacks the USS Chesapeake...
Item #702647
November 28, 1807
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 28, 1807
* USS Chesapeake-Leopard affair
Page 2 has two reports from the House of Representatives concerning the attack upon the USS Chesapeake by the British ship Leopard
The Royal Navy’s humiliating attack on the Chesapeake left many Americans clamoring for war, but there was little the ill-prepared United States could do to answer British aggress
... See More
Pamphlet: an oration by John Quincy Adams...
Item #702538
January 01, 1835
Pamphlet: "Oration on the Life & Character of GILBERT MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE Delivered at the request of both houses of the Congress of the United's States, before them, In The House of Representatives at Washington, On the 31st of December, 1834. By JOHN QUNICY ADAMS, A Member of the House."
The imprint notes: "Washington: Printed By Gales and Seaton. 1835".
Complete in... See More
The Louisiana Purchase...
Item #702421
November 05, 1805
LANCASTER JOURNAL, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5, 1803 A very notable issue as contained on pages 1 and 2 are the: "Treaty Between the United States & the French Republic" outlining the details of what we now know as the Louisiana Purchase, followed by two Conventions of the treaty which outlined the details of the payments to France. These documents were agreed to in Paris on April 30,... See More
Terrific letter from William Clark to his brother on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Item #702412
November 13, 1806
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Nov. 13, 1806 The front page contains an extraordinary letter that is prefaced with in part: "We congratulate the public at large & the particular friends of Messrs. Lewis and Clark and their enterprising companions, on their happy termination of an expedition..." with much more, and further on: "...By the mail of this morning, we have receiv... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #702382
November 09, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated Nov. 9, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Lee Lay thirty pounds in bill of this state and charge the state...Nov. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 6 1/4 by 7 1/2 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A terrific item for display and dated less than a month after Cornwallis' surrender.&n... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address to the nation...
Item #702248
December 25, 1794
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1794 All of page 3 and over half of page 4 are taken up with George Washington's state-of-the-union address, headed & prefaced with: "AMERICA - Congress of the United States, Nov. 19" "This day, at twelve o'clock, the President of the United States met both Houses of the Legislature in the Chamber of the House of Representati... See More
Much on the historic Battle of Ball's Bluff...
Item #702209
November 07, 1861
THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1861
* Pro Confederate title
* Battle of Ball's Bluff
This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.
Among the various reports are: "Rebel Account of the Battle of Ball's Bluff..." "The Exchange of Prisoners" "The Battle of Ball&
... See More
"Confederate" newspaper from the North...
Item #702207
October 17, 1861
THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1861 This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.
Among the articles within are: "The Condition of Kentucky" "A Western Woman's Views of the Crisis" "The Prisoners of War..." "The News of the Week" "Bad News from Wilso
... See More
Printed for the fair to create a new hospital...
Item #702172
October 16, 1866
THE FAIR-Y MESSENGER, Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, Oct. 16, 1866 This is the volume 1, number 2 issue of a paper "Devoted to the Fair" as noted in the masthead.
This fair was by the Sisters of Mercy and was a drive to found a hospital. This would have been a very short-lived newspaper given its singular focus.
Four pages, 9 by 11 3/4 inches, nice condition.
... See More
Created to save Old North Church...
Item #702168
December 08, 1879
THE DIAL OF THE OLD SOUTH CLOCK, Boston, Dec. 8, 1879
* Funding the preservation of "Old South Church"
This was an interesting publication produced for a fair to help save Old South Church. People had wanted to demolish it to widen the street, however a faction wanted it preserved. They created the fair to promote their cause and it succeeded.
This was the first time citize... See More
Protecting publishers from unscrupulous advertisers...
Item #702160
April 01, 1887
THE AGENTS' HERALD, Philadelphia, April, 1887 An interesting newspaper whose purpose is perhaps best detailed by an article in another newspaper from 1883:
"There are probably but few country newspaper publishers, who have not at some time been swindled by plausible but dishonest advertising dead-beats, who obtain their advertising by means of fair and liberal promises, but never p... See More
A newspaper for children...
Item #702154
March 01, 1866
THE YOUNG REAPER, Philadelphia, March 1, 1866 This is one of several newspapers for children that were common in the post-Civil War years.
Four pages, a graphic masthead, good condition.
Part of the title is upside-down...
Item #702129
February 07, 1879
MARYSVILLE WEEKLY APPEAL, California, Feb. 7, 1879 Although printing errors are not uncommonly found in this hobby, more typically they are the transposition of numbers in the date, perhaps an ad upside-down, or other minor errors.
But this one is among the more egregious we have seen: part of the title is upside-down. Note "Marysville" in large type at the top. It is strikingly o... See More
Focused on engineering and mining...
Item #702043
July 06, 1869
THE ENGINEERING AND MINING JOURNAL, New York, July, 6, 1869 As the title would suggest it is focused on mining and engineering, with a few illustrations within.
Sixteen pages, untrimmed margins, good condition.
Note: The Engineering and Mining Journal began publication in 1869, continuing the work of the American Journal of Mining (1866–1869), and quickly became a key source for de... See More
Focused on the laundry industry...
Item #702037
January 01, 1883
BRIDGE & STILES' LAUNDRY JOURNAL, Providence, Rhode Island, 1883 Who would have guessed that there is a newspaper focused on the laundry injury? But here is one.
Page 2 has an article beginning: "Our object in publishing this Journal, is too give the public a true idea of a new industry, vis: The Steam Laundry...".
This is the volume 1, number 1 issue, four pa... See More
Mostly religious content...
Item #702033
January 04, 1866
CHRISTIAN INQUIRER, New York, Jan. 4, 1866 As the title would suggest, this newspaper is filled mostly with religious content.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to one large sheet, nice condition.
Early from Carlisle, Pennsylvania...
Item #702031
March 21, 1820
THE CARLISLE REPUBLICAN, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1820 According to the Am. Antiquarian Society information this was a short-lived newspaper, existing from 1819 - 1820 (information in Gregory is in error; says it began in 1830).
A typical news of the day with the back page taken up with ads, including 2 runaway reward ads.
Four pages, even toning, never-trimmed margins, older strengthens at... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #701985
December 19, 1835
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 19, 1835
* Very early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication
This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this... See More
With an outer wrapper...
Item #701981
December 01, 1846
THE GENESEE FARMER, Rochester, New York, Dec., 1846 A small-size paper focused on the farming industry. A nice engraving in the masthead, and this issue has an outer wrapper.
Complete in 20 pages plus the wrappers, 7 by 10 3/4 inches, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.
Printed on aqua-tinted paper...
Item #701980
September 10, 1814
AMERICAN WEEKLY MESSENGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1814 The content is mostly concerning military events in Europe. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this issue is the color of the paper, having a decidedly blue-green tint, which is unusual.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 10 inches, very nice condition.
Considering anti-slavery...
Item #701962
February 20, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 20, 1790
* Early abolition of slavery
Most of the front page, all of page 2, and most of page 3 are taken up with detailed reporting on discussions in Congress, much of it concerning the public debt.
The back page has most of a full column taken up with "Letter No. 1" signed in type by: Rusticus, concerning the slavery issue... See More
From Richmond, with a Proclamation signed by Jeff Davis...
Item #701898
February 02, 1865
CHRISTIAN OBSERVER, Richmond, Virginia, Feb. 2, 1865 As the title would suggest, this is primarily a religious newspaper, however there is secular reporting as well, including war-related news.
Among the articles: "Lincoln Burned In Effigy" "The American War" "Anxiety A Sin" "Funds For Chaplains in the Army" "News of the Week" with various w... See More
Civil War: blockade running in North Caroline...
Item #701846
July 16, 1864
THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, July 16, 1864 There was much interest in England concerning the American Civil War, England favoring more for the South because of their need for cotton.
Inside has a half-page print: "On Board the Lilian, Running the Blockade Into Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina" which has a related nearly full-column article on the blockade running.
Compl... See More
A promotional newspaper for the Cole Circus...
Item #701789
January 01, 1941
THE CIRCUS HERALD, (1941)
* Cole Bros. Circus promotional issue
* Gloversville, Fulton County, New York
This was a newspaper by and for the promotion of the "JAMES M. COLE CIRCUS" with generic reports on the circus ads, etc., and promoting the dates of their up-coming shows, this one at the "Gloversville Airport, Route 148...Monday, June 2" which is in New York.
... See More
Not found in Gregory…
Item #701786
November 28, 1851
THE PACIFIC, San Francisco, California, Nov. 28, 1851
* California Gold Rush era
* Rare Old West publication
A very scarce title, in fact not only is the first we have located in our 48 years but it is not listed in Gregory. This is the volume 1, number 15 issue.
"A Religious and Family Newspaper" as noted at the top, with Rev. J. W. Douglas as the proprietor. But there ar... See More
Printed "in the field" in the jungles of New Guinea...
Item #701784
June 07, 1944
GUINEA GOLD, "American Edition", June 7, 1944
* D-DAY INVASION BEGINS
* Rare military publication
* Jungles of New Guinea
* World War II - WWII
Hailing itself as the "most bombed newspaper", this military publication was printed in the jungles of New Guinea, hence the title.
The headline announces: "INVASION ON ! " and: "ALLIED ARMIES LAND ON NOR... See More
The fall of Richmond... Very graphic...
Item #701664
April 04, 1865
NEW-YORK TRIBUNE, April 4, 1865
* The fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital
* Terrific heraldic eagle & map for display
See the photos for this terrific and extremely graphic issue reporting the capture of Richmond, which essentially meant the end of the Confederacy. Lee would surrender to Grant at Appomattox just 5 days later.
The first column heads read: "VIR
... See More
* The fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital
* Terrific heraldic eagle & map for display
See the photos for this terrific and extremely graphic issue reporting the capture of Richmond, which essentially meant the end of the Confederacy. Lee would surrender to Grant at Appomattox just 5 days later.
The first column heads read: "VIR
Celebrating returning Civil War soldiers...
Item #701663
May 25, 1865
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 25, 1865
* When Johnny Comes Marching Home
* Civil War soldiers welcome home
* William T. Sherman's sea marchers
The top of the first column on the front page has a nice graphic of an eagle on the U.S. shield, plus: "REVIEW ! " "150,000 Veterans" "The Pageant On Wednesday" "The Armies of Tennessee and Georgia" "The Tat... See More
Uncommon four-page "Extra'" edition on the battle for Charleston...
Item #701661
April 13, 1863
NEW YORK TRIBUNE--EXTRA, April 13, 1863
* First Battle of Charleston Harbor - South Carolina
This is an uncommon, four page "Extra" edition as noted at the top of the first column, printed at: "Six O'Clock A.M." with the latest news.
Among the first column heads are: "THE GREAT FIRE AT CHARLESTON" "Full & Graphic Description" "Acco... See More
End of fighting in the Civil War...
Item #701660
May 29, 1865
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE: May 29, 1865
* Edmund Kirby Smith surrenders
* re. Jefferson Davis capture
* Last battles of the Civil War
The top of the first column has an embellishment beneath which is: "PEACE ! " "Kirby Smith Surrenders" "The Old Flag Waves From Maine to the Rio Grande!". Also on the front page is: "JEFF DAVIS" "An Of
... See More
* Edmund Kirby Smith surrenders
* re. Jefferson Davis capture
* Last battles of the Civil War
The top of the first column has an embellishment beneath which is: "PEACE ! " "Kirby Smith Surrenders" "The Old Flag Waves From Maine to the Rio Grande!". Also on the front page is: "JEFF DAVIS" "An Of
Perhaps the definitive Battle of Gettysburg issue...
Item #701653
July 06, 1863
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, July 6, 1863 A terrific issue reporting the result of the very historic Battle of Gettysburg, with nearly two-thirds of the front page's first column taken up with related heads, atop of which is a nice patriotic emblem.
They include: "THE GREAT VICTORY" "The Rebel Army Totally Defeated" "Its Remains Driven Into the Mountains" "It is ... See More
Lincoln's assassination - from Lincoln's home town...
Item #701644
April 17, 1865
ILLINOIS STATE JOURNAL, Springfield, April 17, 1865 Serious collectors have always been keen to seek out historic events in newspapers from where the event happened, and they continue to demand the most interest and highest prices. For Lincoln's assassination the several Washington, D.C. newspapers are among the best.
But an equally desired report is one from Lincoln's hometown, wher... See More
The Militia Act of 1792...
Item #701540
May 23, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 23, 1792
* Militia Act signed into U.S. law
* President George Washington
The front page contains in full the historic Militia Act of 1792, which allowed the President to temporarily take control of state militias in times of crises. It is titled: "An ACT to Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrect... See More
Relating to the Battle of Lake Erie, War of 1812...
Item #701501
June 04, 1814
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 4, 1814
* Battle of Lake Erie ad
* Oliver Hazard Perry
The front page has an interesting advertisement headed: "Victory On Lake Erie!" concerning a promotion to sell "...two prints representing The Victory gained by Commodore Perry..." and includes two letters signed in type: O.H. Perry. Other War of 1812 reports on the front page.
... See More
Death by duel for naval hero Stephen Decatur...
Item #701485
March 23, 1820
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 23, 1820
* Stephen Decatur Killed
* United States Navy commodore
* Duel vs. James Barron
The front page has a report of a slave insurrection in Cuba. Page 3 has a broadside-like announcement, in larger than normal type & black-bordered, announcing the death of naval hero Stephen Decatur, mentioning his death as a result of a duel.
... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #701484
February 08, 1834
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Feb. 8, 1834 This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry.&nbs... See More
How to administer the new District of Columbia... The Barbary War...
Item #701472
June 08, 1801
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 8, 1801 Pages 1 and 2 contain: "An Act Supplementary to the Act entitled 'An Act Concerning the District of Columbia' " which concerns the regulations and laws that will be enforced in this new district.
Page 2 has a letter concerning Algiers and Tripoli, relating to the First Barbary War.
Four pages, slightly irregular at the blank... See More
The Northwest Ordinance...
Item #701446
July 21, 1787
THE NEW HAVEN GAETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, August 2, 1787 A very significant newspaper as all of the front page & a portion of page 2 contain the complete printing of the Northwest Ordinance.
Considered to be one of the most significant achievements of the Congress of the Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 put the world on notice not only that the land north of the... See More
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Full Contact Information
