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
Rare 18th century title... Alexander Hamilton...
Item #707236
January 15, 1798
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Jan. 15, 1798
* Very rare 18th century title
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
* Letter to Alexander Hamilton
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
Page 2 has a letter to: "Alexander Hamilton, Esq." signed in type: Isaac Governeur. Pa
... See More
* Very rare 18th century title
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
* Letter to Alexander Hamilton
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
Page 2 has a letter to: "Alexander Hamilton, Esq." signed in type: Isaac Governeur. Pa
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
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 from colonial Virginia.
When it comes to the military events of the Revolutionary War, I'm not s... 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
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
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
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #703335
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
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
Proposing a new Amendment to the Constitution... Three Acts of Congress...
Item #703194
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
On the Constitution... Postal routes through the states...
Item #703193
October 13, 1792
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1792
* George Washington administration era
* Jefferson on the United States Constitution
* Post Master General Timothy Pickering
About one-third of the front page is taken up with an editorial concerning the Constitution, beginning: "By the extracts from Mr. Jefferson's letters lately published, his sentiments on the cons... See More
First known U.K. printing...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
Item #703114
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
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
Great & rare political cartoon on the Boston Port Bill... Twenty pages discussing the Boston Port Bill...
Item #702485
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1774
* Boston Port Act of 1774 - Act
* Very rare illustration - print
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Over 20 pages within this issue are taken up with: "Debates Of A Political Society" which go into considerable detail discussing the ramifications of the historic Boston Port Bill. Also discussion of other concerns w
... See More
* Boston Port Act of 1774 - Act
* Very rare illustration - print
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Over 20 pages within this issue are taken up with: "Debates Of A Political Society" which go into considerable detail discussing the ramifications of the historic Boston Port Bill. Also discussion of other concerns w
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
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
Arrest of the King of France...
Item #693192
August 24, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, August 24, 1791 The top of page 2 has an article: "Flight & Seizure of the King of France" which begins: "I eagerly seize the opportunity of imparting to you the happy news that the King has been arrested in his flight. The arrest took place at Varennes..." with much more, taking two-thirds of a column.
A page 3 i... See More
Americans entitled to defend themselves....
Item #687345
March 02, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 2, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
The top of the front page has a brief item from London: "Yesterday five petitions for stopping the proceedings against the Americans were presented to his Majesty at St. James's." Also mention that: "The 33d regiment of foot, of which Lord Cornwallis is c... 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
Paul Revere engraved the masthead... Battle of Alamance...
Item #687196
January 23, 1772
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Boston, Jan. 23, 1772
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Pre American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Alamance - North Carolina
This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era. An ardent patriot, Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began his ne... 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
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
Louis XVI ratifies the French Constitution...
Item #686810
November 19, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 19, 1791
* King Louis XVI of France
* French constitution ratification
A full column on the front page & more than a column on page 2 is consumed with: "Ratification Of The French Constitution, By the King" which is signed by him in type: Louis. Page 2 also has reports from "Congress" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagl... 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
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
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
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
On religion in the Constitution... George Washington... The French Revolution....
Item #686627
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), September, 1789 Content includes: "American Anecdote" "Dr. Barnaby Relates the Following Anecdote of Dr. Franklin"; an address: "To the President of the United States" by the ministers of the German Reformed church, to which he responded, signed in type: George Washington; "On the Impracticability of a Passage into the P... See More
Reviewing the new Constitution... Working on creating the District of Columbia...
Item #685636
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1791
* United States Constitution in it's infancy
* Creating Washington D.C. (Federal City)
The issue begins with a description of the historic State House in Boston. The related plate is lacking.
* United States Constitution in it's infancy
* Creating Washington D.C. (Federal City)
The issue begins with a description of the historic State House in Boston. The related plate is lacking.
An interesting article presents a nice perspective on the U.S. Constitution, at this point just 4 years old: "Dr. Ramsa
... See More
George Washington's inauguration and inaugural address... And a very rare eye-witness account...
Item #685616
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789 * President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* In a American publication (rare)
Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of... See More
Listing of the United States Navy...
Item #683823
August 28, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 28, 1799 Page 3 has a chart listing: "United States Navy - Vessels In Service" as well as a list of "Vessels Building" listed by name, number of guns, and their commanders. Included are the United States, Constitution, Constellation among the frigates, plus others noted as "Ships" "Brigs" and &q... See More
On the Equality of Sexes... References to George Washington...
Item #682845
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1790* 18th century Woman's suffrage ?
* George Washington mention
The first page has: "Description of the Court House in Salem", lacking the plate called for.
Other articles include: "On the Equality of Sexes" "Preliminary of the Constitution of France" and much more.
At the back is: "The Gazette&qu... See More
Adams's inauguration: the peaceful transfer of power...
Item #682538
March 13, 1797
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 13, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* Thomas Jefferson
A very historic issue as it reports the true test of the great American republic: the peaceful transfer of power.
Page 2 has a report noting in part: "On Saturday at twelve o'clock...soon after his election, JOHN ADAMS as President of the United States attended in the Chamber of th... See More
Madison proposes Amendments to the Constitution... Early edition of the Bill of Rights...
Item #681502
June 13, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 13, 1789
* Early edition of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* President James Madison
An exceedingly significant issue which has, on page 3, a preliminary draft of the Bill of Rights described as "...the Amendments to the New Constitution, proposed by the Hon. Mr. Maddison [sic]...".... See More
General Clinton's letter on the Loyalists...
Item #681060
April 27, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, April 27, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has reports under the heading: "America" including: "...that the army under the Count de Rochambeau have leveled their works, and quitted their posts at York-Town, Virginia. Also a letter sent too Gov. Franklin, President of the Board of Directors of A... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen...
Item #680937
October 21, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* Revolutionary War
The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of ... See More
Announcement that the Constitution has been created...
Item #680368
September 18, 1787
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, September 18, 1787
* First announcement that the Constitution of the United States has been finalized
* In regards to historic announcements in U.S. history, this is rivaled only by the announcement that the Declaration of Independence had been signed
A singularly historic newspaper. As collectors know the very first news... See More
First inauguration of George Washington...
Item #679892
July 16, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* First inauguration (historic)
Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of t... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
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