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
Letter regarding the poor by Ben Franklin... Engraving of the Corsican chief Pascal Paoli...
Item #715671
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this publication. As was typical of Franklin, it was signed using one of his many pseudonyms: "Medius". This was one of the most detailed letters Franklin had written devoted to the car... See More
18th century Philadelphia...
Item #715161
February 03, 1795
GENERAL AURORA ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1795
* Rare 18th century American publication
Eighteenth century American publications are somewhat scarce. The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. Contains news of the day with several advertisements.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed (u... 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
Much debate on the value of the Revolutionary War...
Item #715063
March 02, 1778
EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report ... 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
George Washington is elected President of the United States...
Item #713617
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792. Page 3 has a re... See More
Abbé Raynal's address to America... John Adams & Thomas Jefferson as ambassadors...
Item #711119
July 30, 1785
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEEER, OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, July 30, 1785 Perhaps the most noteworthy content is Abbé Raynal's address to America. Multiple sources say his noteworthy warning/plea was first printed posthumously in 1800, however, its presence within this newspaper proves otherwise. A nice find.
Page 2 has a notice from London that: "This day John Ad... See More
A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper? Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
Item #710763
February 12, 1756
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at th... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #707388
February 01, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice for: "Proposals For C... 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
Bank of the United States is created...
Item #705462
March 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 2, 1791 On the front page at the top of the first column under an engraving of an early version of the Great Seal of the United States is: "An ACT to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States". The text of the act takes most of the front page and is signed in type: Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, John Adams, George Washi... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705439
April 03, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 1798 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Beginning on page 1 and carrying over to page 2 are the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #705418
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775 If there was one graphic that 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 of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a labe
... 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
Washington's Proclamation, with the Indian Treaty... Trumbull's famous portrait of Washington...
Item #705353
September 18, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1790 Page 2 has a patriotic engraving of a heraldic eagle above a: "Proclamation" issued by the President warning citizens not to violate an 1785 treaty with the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Indians, signed in type: G. Washington.
Following this text are the full Articles of the treaty taking an entire column.
Page 3 has: ... See More
Adams addresses Congress concerning troubles with France...
Item #705328
March 19, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 19, 1798 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 9 illustrated ship ads. Page 3 has a lengthy message to Congress concerning the growing troubles with France, signed in type by... See More
Fear that the new government in America will fail...
Item #705297
February 13, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1784 Page 4 has an interesting letter from Philadelphia to a friend in Glasgow noting in part: "Our government...is not yet well established; and I am really afraid that this country will experience some dreadful political convulsion before this desirable establishment takes place...different bodies...of the different colonies, and jealousy o... See More
Stopping the spread of Yellow Fever in 1798... A broadside "supplement"...
Item #705150
October 13, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 13, 1798
* Yellow fever epidemic in the East
The front page has: "A PROCLAMATION" by the mayor of Baltimore concerning the on-going Yellow Fever epidemic in the East and his efforts to prevent its spread noting: "...hereby forbidding the entrance into the city of Baltimore, or within 3 miles thereof, of all per... See More
Proclamation by Washington & Jefferson... Judaica related ad...
Item #705132
March 23, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 23, 1791
* President George Washington
* Thomas Jefferson - Indians
The entire front page is taken up with a continuation of the: "New Revenue Law". Page 3 mentions the President setting off for a tour of the South intending to visit the Carolinas & Georgia. Page 3 also has: "A Proclamation" concerning tra... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #705078
November 18, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705067
February 02, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 2, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice headed: "Treasury Dep... See More
George Rogers Clark's Illinois campaign...
Item #705031
January 12, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1779
* Rare American Revolutionary War title
* George Rogers Clark - Western frontier
The front page has most of a column taken up with a letter beginning: "I have lately met with...Mr. Deane's address to the public and one or two pieces relative rto it, for I cannot call them refutations, under the signat... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704964
March 19, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 19, 1791
* (3) U.S. presidents sign act of Congress
On the back page under an engraving of an eagle and shield is: "An Act Providing Compensations for the Officers of the Judicial Courts of the United States, and for Jurors and Witnesses, and for Other Purposes", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas... 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
Describing construction of the First National Bank...
Item #704919
August 26, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, August 26, 1795
* First Bank of the United States
Page 3 has a very notable report, headed: "Description of the Bank of the United States, Now Erecting in Third St., from a Design by Mr. S. Blodget". It would be finished in 1797.
Four pages, small wear hole at a fold juncture not close to the mentioned cont... See More
On the funeral of Benjamin Franklin...
Item #704869
April 28, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 28, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death FUNERAL
Almost half of the front page is taken up with a wonderful article headed: "Dr. Franklin" followed by a quote: "When an eminent man dies, it is worth while to enquire into the causes which conducted him to eminence..." The report goes on to heap praise on the late, ce... 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
Terrific letter praising Common Sense... So much more...
Item #704677
April 09, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 9, 1776 This issue has some very significant front page content, as the entire first of two columns is taken up with Resolves from Congress dated April 6.
They include allowing exports from the colonies to any part of the world not under British rule. They also vote to allow the importation of any goods except those grown, produced, or ship... See More
Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #704633
March 29, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 29, 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads including one for a runaway slave headed: "Ten Dollars Reward" Two more appear on the back page.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a little ink dirtiness to a quadrant of the front page ... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #704631
February 10, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 10, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including three illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages... See More
Great dislike of the Jay Treaty (designed by Alexander Hamilton) with England...
Item #704597
July 29, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #704528
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Two Acts of United States Congress
The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration".
The back page has two Acts of Congress headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jef... See More
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #704435
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752* Pennsylvania State House
* Philadelphia PA print
* Independence Hall
Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.
This is a print of this famous building 24 years before it... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704316
January 10, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page... 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
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #704253
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their deci... See More
Much news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #704210
September 28, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military ser... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #704194
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first news... 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
Items on the Revolutionary War in this handsome newspaper...
Item #704133
August 27, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1778 This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the lettering so frilly that it is almost difficult to read.
Page 2 has some reports from London noting the king has called in Lt. General Burgoyne, likely to explain his loss at Saratoga. Page 3 has a full column of reports from the H... See More
Thanks to George Washington... Intercepted news from Silas Deane...
Item #704132
December 05, 1781
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR THE NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* General George Washington
* Foreign diplomat Silas Deane
Much of a front page column is "Contents of a Rebel Mail, Lately Intercepted in Europe" being a continuation of Silas Deane's letter to his brother. There is much content on America's... See More
Life in America eight years before the outbreak of war...
Item #703663
August 24, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 24, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British title
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea pa... See More
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767 A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea party in 1773 and the resulting Revolutionary War.
The front page has nearly a f... See More
On quartering troops, a paper currency for the colonies, and more...
Item #703655
June 29, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, June 29, 1767
* Colonial era paper currency
* British troops in America
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea party in... 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
Burgoyne surrenders Saratoga to Horatio Gates...
Item #703554
December 11, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 11, 1777
* Surrender of General John Burgoyne
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War
A page 2 report begins: "The account of the capitulation of General Burgoyne's army was brought to Quebec by some deserters from the Provincials who had entered into the King's service, & whom Gen. Burgoyne, when he found he ... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
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Full Contact Information
