Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792 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 States, viz 'This Corner Stone of the House to Accommodate the President of the United States, was laid May 10, 1792; when P... See More
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #703335
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778 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 the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitu... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789 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 in its entirety as submitted to the states for ratification.
In September of 1789 the U.S. Congress passed and... 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 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, also from Boston.
Russell, the publisher, devised a cartoon showing each state as a ... 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 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 the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine the document, they came to share the sen... 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
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
John Hancock on the Shays' Rebellion... Notes from the Constitutional Convention...
Item #696675
June 28, 1787
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, June 28, 1787
* Daniel Shay's Rebellion
* John Hancock proclamation
* Constitutional Convention
This title has one of our favorite mastheads, which includes two engravings: one the arms for Rhode Island, and the other the arms of the United States, making this a very displayable issue.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" wh... 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
Buying the land at West Point for the Military Academy... Deciding on the seat of government...
Item #694764
June 30, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 30, 1790
* West Point Military Academy land bought
* Seat of Government decision
Part of page 1 & half of pg. 2 are taken up with a continuing discussion in the House of Representatives on "Mr. Gerry's motion on the assumption of the state debt..." from the Revolutionary War, a controversial discussion at the time.
... See More
* West Point Military Academy land bought
* Seat of Government decision
Part of page 1 & half of pg. 2 are taken up with a continuing discussion in the House of Representatives on "Mr. Gerry's motion on the assumption of the state debt..." from the Revolutionary War, a controversial discussion at the time.
Franch meddling in American affairs...
Item #692528
February 10, 1796
LLOYD'S EVENING POST, London, Feb. 10, 1796 The back page has most of a column headed: "America" with bits including: "...French Ambassador Fanchet...had been very instrumental in fomenting the late rebellion in the Western States against the government, and that he had endeavoured to raise a party to overthrow the government of United States. In this plot were involved Se... 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
Putting the Constitution into effect, & New York is the capital...
Item #687174
September 20, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 20, 1788
* United States Constitution into effect
* New York City as nation's capital
The top of the front page has an article signed by: "A Federalist" which is very supportive of the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the various states. It notes in part: "...The game that is now playing by the ant... 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 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
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
Enshrinement of Voltaire in the Pantheon... Thomas Paine's 'The Rights of Man'...
Item #686806
September 24, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 24, 1791 The top of the front page has: "VOLTAIRE!" which is a report from Paris describing the tribute to him, the consecration of his body at the French Pantheon, & much on the funeral procession which carries over to page 2.
Page 2 also has: "The Creed of Voltaire" as well as a report from Portsmouth that: "Last Friday the Co... See More
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
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #686108
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Two 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.
Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from congress. Page 3 ha... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686042
July 22, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 22, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
Most of page 2 and a bit of page 2 are taken up with "Sketches of the Proceedings of Congress" providing interesting insight into the discussion of the very new federal government.
Page 3 has the full text of: "An Act Im... 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
Recruitment ad for joining the U.S. military...
Item #683819
June 05, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799
* From the year of George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government &... 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
Great foldout map of "West Florida" from Pensacola to New Orleans...
Item #680579
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1772 * Nice map of "West Florida"
* Pensacola, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana
* Plate of a rare bird from the Hudson Bay
Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Part of WEST FLORIDA" from Pensacola to the Mouth of Iberville River, with a View to shew t... 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
Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
Item #677363
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 D... See More
Four script signatures of John Adams... Frigate "Constitution"...
Item #676959
August 09, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 9, 1797
* President John Adams
* 4 Acts of Congress signed
* USS Constitution under construction
The full first column of the front page has four Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Also, page 2 has a letter signed in block type by the President: John Adams. Page 2 also has an update on "Naval Articles&... See More
John Adams is elected President of the United States...
Item #676792
February 01, 1797
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797
* John Adams presidential election
* Thomas Jefferson as vice president
The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes ... See More
A great wealth of Constitution-related content...
Item #676198
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), August, 1788 Among the articles are: "Observations on the Evil Consequences Attending the Excessive use of Spirituous Liquors" "Thoughts on the Law Prohibiting Hogs to Prowl the Streets of Philadelphia"; a continuation of: "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by the Late Federal Convention" which takes over 6 1/2 pages;... See More
Speech of the governor, Sam Adams...
Item #669073
June 10, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 10, 1795 Almost half of page 3 is taken up with the: "Speech" of the governor of Mass., signed in type: Samuel Adams. He discusses various topics including revisions to the state constitution.
Four pages, nice condition.
With the plate of the Juniata River...
Item #667449
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, August, 1788 This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792.Among the various articles are: "A Description of the River Juniatta" "An Account of the Foundation of New Smyrna in Florida & a Remarkable Insurrection in that Settlement" "... See More
Washington at Morristown... Action in the South...
Item #657753
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780 The first article has "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure fr... See More
Benjamin Rush's "Moral Temperance Thermometer"...State of Kentucky... Constitution of Georgia...
Item #652342
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1789 Among the articles are: "An Account of the Manners of the German Inhabitants of Pennsylvania" which takes 7 1/2 pages. Also a full page chart of the: "Moral and Physical Thermometer", created by Dr. Benjamin Rush.Near the back is "The Chronicle" with the latest news of the day including 8 pages of report unde... See More
Debate on the Maryland Constitution...
Item #651129
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1763 Over two pages within are taken up with: "Queries Relative to the Constitution of Maryland" which raises such questions as: "Does not the legislature of Maryland consist of three branches...?...Who composes the Upper House?...Does not the council consist of 12 members when complete?...Who sits as judges in the superior court... See More
Settlement on the Mississippi...
Item #650335
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1772 This issue contains a lengthy article titled: "Sketch for a Settlement on the Mississippi" (see for portions). A plate is called for however it is lacking.This issue also includes a full page plate titled: "Hudson Bay Ptarmigan..." which shows two views of this bird (see images). There is also a related art... See More
News from America...
Item #643200
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1786 One of the articles is: "Circumstances Relative to the Discovery of Henry I's Bones". A wide range of other articles as well.Near the back is "American Intelligence" which includes: "An act was passed on the 11th of March...authorising the delegates of the province of South Carolina...to subscribe & ratify an ... See More
Counting the slaves... The infant Navy...
Item #638250
August 08, 1798
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 script... See More
News from France...
Item #599623
September 19, 1795
THE WEEKLY MUSEUM, New York, Sept. 19, 1795 Much literary content but page 3 has various news reports, one from Bordeaux noting: "The people of France in general think well of the new constitution, and it is thought it will be adopted." Other news from France as well.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 12 inches, bit of foxing, generally nice.
Apprehending those guilty of high treason in America...
Item #596747
February 12, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 12, 1777
* Revolutionary War
The front page has half a column taken up with: "An Account of the Spanish Settlements in South America", continued in a future issue. Page 2 has some talk in the House of Lords concerning a bill: "...to enable his Majesty to apprehend & secure all persons guilty of or suspected to be guilty of hi... See More
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