The Articles of Confederation...
Item #718994
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778
* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War
This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include ... See More
One of the earliest appearances...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
Item #716072
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 * Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... See More
Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution... Manuel Noah... Three Acts of Congress...
Item #715112
March 12, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 12, 1791
* United States Constitution amendment proposed
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Inside has more than a full column taken up with: "Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Laid on the Clerk's Table by Mr. Benson, to her Proposed by Congress to the Legislature's of the Several States&... See More
A census of the Western Territory in 1795...
Item #714687
September 05, 1795
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Sept. 5, 1795
* Early Northwest Territory
* Ohio
All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with the: "Plan of a Constitution for the French Republic, continued". Pg. 3 has a report that the governor of Penna. has prohibited all trade with New York and Norfolk due to a contagion. Also that "An enumeration of the inhabitants in the We... See More
Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
Item #713619
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify
The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delawar... See More
Only published for four years...
Item #712996
April 21, 1736
THE OLD WHIG, OR THE CONSISTENT PROTESTANT, London, April 21, 1736
* Very rare publication
* Early 18th century British original
This is a very rare title, publishing for only 4 years with various news reports from Europe. There is a brief item on the back page noting: "...advice by a letter from South Carolina of the death of the Rev. Mr. John Fullerton, lately missionary at Ch... See More
Counting the slaves... The infant Navy...
Item #709993
August 08, 1798
(2) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 15 and 28, 1798 A notable pair of issues. The entire front page & a bit of pg. 2 of the Aug. 15 issue are taken up with: "An Act to provide for the Valuation of Lands & dwelling houses & the Enumeration of Slaves within the United States". It concludes by taking up most of the ftpg. of the Aug. 18 issue where it is signed in sc... See More
The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
Item #709556
October 01, 1787
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declara... See More
Maryland ratifies the Constitution... Paine's famous Crisis...
Item #705467
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, May, 1788 This is the "second edition" as noted on the title page, printed on June 9, 1792. This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.This iss... See More
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #705357
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill (2 accounts) - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title... See More
Front page Act of Congress by George Washington...
Item #705137
May 08, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 8, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Half of the front page is taken up with: "An ACT for Regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington as President. The act is headed with a nice... See More
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #704924
April 17, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 17, 1794
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
Given that Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States while the District of Columbia was under construction, it is nice this issue has reports from Congress during this early year of the federal government.
Complete in 4 pages, never-... See More
On the funeral of the governor...
Item #704834
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 Stat... See More
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #704740
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 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. This report is: "...in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 17th of September, 1789" concerning the indebtedness o... See More
Building the frigate ''United States' is ahead of schedule...
Item #704311
September 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796
* USS United States construction
Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys, is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate).&quo... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704193
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 ... See More
A Washington Act of Congress begins the front page...
Item #704043
November 26, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 26, 1791
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
* re. census of South Carolina
The front page begins with a half-column Act of Congress headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is: "An Act Granting Farther Time for Making Returns of the Enumeration of the Inhabitants in the District of South Carolin... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson...
Item #703809
April 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790
* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a ... See More
North Carolina ratified the Constitution... New lighthouses...
Item #703785
January 06, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, January 6, 1790
* United States U.S. Constitution
* North Carolina ratification (last)
* Post "Bill of Rights" acceptance
Page 3 has a report of a tour through South Carolina with mention of Columbia & Cape Fear, including: "A light house is now building on Cape Fear which it is expected will be finished in about ... See More
1789 creation of the Department of War...
Item #703746
August 19, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789
* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing
A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature ... See More
The near-final version of the Bill of Rights, printed just ten days before the final version...
Item #703727
September 23, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, September 23, 1789
* U.S. Senate version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Printed in their entirety on the front page are the twelve proposed Amendments to the Constitution, to be known as the Bill of Rights. But note this version is slightly different from the final version that would appear in the Oc... See More
The most influential speech in support of the Constitution...
Item #703647
November 22, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 22, 1787
* James Wilson - State House Yard speech
* Support for the newly drafted U.S. Constitution
* One of the first public defenses after signing
As soon as the Constitution was presented to the public it was met with an onslaught of criticism that its defenders would need to counter. It initially fell to the Constitution's champions ... See More
Nice comments on Alexander Hamilton... Multiple John Adam's script signatures...
Item #703585
August 11, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 11, 1798 The front page begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One concerns suspending commercial trade with France due to the on-going XYZ Affair and the coming Quasi-War. The front page also has: "American Navy Spirt" with a list of 16 toasts: "Drank on board the Frigate Constellation at sea... See More
The Constellation & Constitution are almost ready... The ingrate Thomas Paine...
Item #703582
June 14, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797
* USS Constitution & Constellation
* United States Navy first warships
A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The Constitution, building here will be afloat the second week of August--She has upwards of 20... See More
Much on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703575
March 09, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, March 9, 1787
* Shays' Rebellion perpetrators
* Berkshire County, Massachusetts
The front page has a "Resolve from the Assembly of New York offering a reward for the apprehending those involved in the Shays' Rebellion. Page 2 begins with an "Order" by the governor of Mass. James Bowdoin, concerning the Legislature: "...congratul... See More
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
America alters its Constitution peacefully...
Item #703545
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.Included are several letters signed in type by John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Madison & others. Also: "Description of a Visit to Mount Etna" among other articles. Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with ... 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
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
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
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Pag... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
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 ite... See More
The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702543
June 01, 1779
THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779
* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War
In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazin... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address to the nation...
Item #702248
December 25, 1794
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1794
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
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 bo... See More
On the future prospects of the United States...
Item #701989
March 23, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, March 23, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
All of page 1 and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Observations on the Present Si... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Item #701466
February 13, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* 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 Chronicle,... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
Shays' Rebellion...
Item #697980
May 12, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 12, 1787
* Shays' Rebellion perpetrators
* Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Page 2 has an: "Extract of a Letter From New York" which has the latest on the Shays' Rebellion.
It notes in part: "...that since the defeating & taking such a number of rebel prisoners in Berkshire, who were commanded by Hamelin, matters are ... See More
Death & funeral of the governor...
Item #697866
June 19, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799
* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor
The front page has: "On Matrimony". Page 3 has a black-bordered report on the death & funeral of Mass. Governor Increase Sumner including the "Order Of Procession" and the position of "The Corpse" with the pallbearers, etc.
The back pa... See More
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #696414
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 ... See More
The King addressses Parliament on the dire situation in America...
Item #687287
February 23, 1782
THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782
* Rare publication during Revolutionary War
This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for t... See More
Follow-up to Cornwallis' surrender... John Hanson elected President...
Item #687281
November 07, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 7, 1781 A wonderful issue on the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, which essentially ended Revolutionary War efforts by the British.
The front page has an: "Extract of a Letter from General Washington, dated Head Quarters, near York, October 27, 1781" which presents the: "General return of officers an... See More
The young U.S. Navy... The President's palace...
Item #686883
December 29, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 29, 1798
* United States Navy in it's infancy
Page 2 has a chart headed: "American Navy" being a: "List of Vessels In Service" noting the number of guns of commander of each.
It begins with the "United States" "Constitution" and "Constellation" then 12 other vessels, followed by a list of ship that... See More
Did Nelson defeat Buonaparte?
Item #686880
November 14, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious ?
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
The front page has an address from the Grand Jury of Mass: "To the President of rthe Unitred States, with his: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams.
Page 2 has dispatches noting: "The account of the defeat of Buonaparte by the Arabs is not of... See More
John Adams... Death on the frigate Constitution...
Item #686871
October 13, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 13, 1798 The front page has a letter from Maine: "To the President of the United States" concerning foreign encroachments on our land, which is followed by the: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams.
Page 2 has a report of a death: "At Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. William Read, 28 surgeon of the United States frigate Constitution, and a nati... 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
Appointments to the ship Constitution...
Item #686821
April 21, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 21, 1798
* Officers appointed to the frigate USS Constitution
* Unites States Navy in it's infancy
Page 3 has a very brief yet historic item reading: "Appointments for the Frigate Constitution, Edward Prebble, 1st, and John Cordis, 2nd Lieutenants." This is for the famous ship later to be nicknamed "Old Ironsides".
Pag... See More
French Revolution: The Rights of Man, and the beginning of a new Constitution...
Item #686813
December 07, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791
* French Revolution
* Constitution of France
A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (th... See More
Vermont to ratify the Constitution...
Item #686777
December 01, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 1, 1790
* United States Constitution
* Vermont for ratification
On page 2 under "Vermont" is a notable report reading in full: "The Legislature of this State, has called a Convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States--to meet at Bennington, in the next month. The terms of the decree of the State of New York, with this State... See More
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