The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787  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 Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are likely the most historic 18th century documents to have in an American newspaper.

Con... See More  

Anger at Burgoyne for surrendering at Saratoga... Paine talks of "Common Sense"...

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1779



* Battles of Saratoga - New York

* John Burgoyne defeat criticized 

* Thomas Paine re. Common Sense



One-third of the front page and most of a column on page 2 are taken up with a wonderful letter "To Lt. General Burgoyne".

Portions include: "...Hear then, General Burgoyne, what the people know & learn what they ... See More  

The Bill of Rights...

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  

A fine & decorative issue from the Revolutionary War...

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1780



* Revolutionary War

* Great masthead



 Over half of the front page is a: "Message from the President & Supreme Executive Council to the Representatives of...Pennsylvania" in which are addressed many issues.

A few bits include: "...when our enemies, forsaking in no small degree the efforts of open and manly force, b... See More  

Washington involved in a plan to exchange prisoners...

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779  



* American Revolutionary War

* General George Washington

* Exchange of prisoners talks



The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.

One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Excha... See More  

Further on Ethan Allen's narrative of his captivity...

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779



* Ethan Allen captivity

* Revolutionary War original



 Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.

Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine.

All of ... See More  

A Proclamation from the infamous "Queen" Margaret Nicholson...

PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISE, Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1787  The ftpg. has a fascinating: "Proclamation - By the Queen Margaret" who was actually the infamous Margaret Nicholson, who the previous year attempted to assassinate King George III some months prior. She was ultimately determined to be inside and was committed to the asylum at Bedlam, England. She had claimed--a... See More  

Isaac Franks... Jewish...

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1790  The ftpg. is taken up with ads. Pages 2 & 3 are mostly taken up with reports from the House of Representatives carrying over to page 3, which also has: "A Proclamation" by the governor of Pennsylvania.

The back page is filled with ads including one for noted Jewish financier Isaac Franks (see). Four pa... See More