George Washington & Ben Franklin letters... Society of the Cincinnati...
Item #697501
February 23, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 23, 1797
* Society of the Cincinnati
* President George Washington
A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 3 has an address of the Philadelphia militia to George Washington, with his response signed in type: Go. Washington. And followed by the address of t... See More
Ben Franklin's famous kite experiment...
Item #697413
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752* Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment described
Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the r... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington... Will of Ben Franklin...
Item #696277
May 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790
* President George Washington
* Two acts of United States Congress
* Benjamin Franklin's will after death
On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings... See More
Nice on Thomas Jefferson... Letter from Ben Franklin...
Item #695606
September 28, 1816
THE NATIONAL REGISTER, Washington, Sept. 28, 1816 Nearly a full page is taken up with a great biographical article headed: "The Sage of Monticello", Thomas Jefferson.
Also: "Scottish Music" is an article signed by: Benjamin Franklin from 1762. Also: "The Appalachicola Fort' takes most of a page.
A very uncommon title that existed from March 2, 1816 ... See More
Anger over the Trail of Tears...... Franklin quote...
Item #695078
August 01, 1829
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1829 The top of the ftpg. has a small bit about Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State at the time, being granted an honorary doctorate of law degree from Rutgers' College.
Inside has an article: "Slavery In Colombia" as well as: "Georgia And The Cherokees" being a letter from the brother of a chief and his anger at their ... See More
Advertisement for a book written by Ben Franklin...
Item #692653
April 12, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 12, 1760
* Benjamin Franklin book advertisement
* "The Interest Of Great Britain Considered"
The back page has an advertisement for a book headed: "This Day was Published". The text of the ad reads: "The interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her colonies and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe. To ... See More
Ben Franklin's famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #692301
November 30, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 30, 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 o
... 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 o
George Washington is elected President...
Item #690421
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789 * George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* Report from his Revolutionary War enemy (historic)
Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of George Washington being elected the first President of the United States. The full text can be seen in... See More
Closing events of the Revolutionary War...
Item #690374
April 29, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, April 29, 1783
* American Revolutionary War - closing events
The front page has some reports concerning the negotiations for a treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War. Also reports headed: "America" which carry over to page 2 concerning various events in America, one bit noting: "...In January last, Col. Willet, with about 600 men... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #690181
April 28, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 28, 1744
* Rare colonial periodical
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even ... See More
Great foldout map of Genoa, Italy... Early Ben Franklin item...
Item #689656
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747
* 18th Century Genoa, Italy map
* "The Speech of Polly Baker"
* Early Benjamin Franklin story
Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker". To date, this is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as c
... See More
* 18th Century Genoa, Italy map
* "The Speech of Polly Baker"
* Early Benjamin Franklin story
Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker". To date, this is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as c
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #689565
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 * Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."
The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hud... See More
A layout for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688744
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Plan (print) for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688743
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #688742
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #688741
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 * The Copley medal of the Royal Society
* Benjamin Franklin electricity experiments
Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is ... See More
Marriage of Ben Franklin's daughter... Colonists distressed by duties..
Item #687574
January 19, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768 Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of... See More
Congress responds to the King's Proclamation that the colonies are in open rebellion...
Item #687385
December 21, 1775
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE or the ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dec. 21, 1775
* King Charles III of England
* American colonies in rebellion
* U.S. Congress addresses conflict
* American Revolutionary War
Certainly the most historic content is found on page 3, being Congress' response to the King's proclamation of August 23 in which he refused to receive the conc... See More
Imports, exports... Yankee Doodle...
Item #687381
March 06, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769
* Early Yankee Doodle song mention
* Importation - exportation tensions
The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the company a dance which had never been attem... See More
Commercial treaty is 'vanished in smoke'... Very handsome masthead...
Item #687380
November 15, 1783
PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1783
* Rare title w/ great masthead
Certainly a prime feature of this issue is the terrific engraving in the masthead, larger and more intricate than most and quite displayable.
Half of the first column is taken up with an ad for "Haym Salomon", a very noted Jewish financier during the Revolutionary War... See More
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 23, 1770
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... 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
An early, handsome issue from the colonies... Nice Ben Franklin content...
Item #687150
July 05, 1762
THE BOSTON EVENING-POST, July 5, 1762
* Rare colonial publication
* Benjamin Franklin
A very handsome issue with an ornate coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 has a nice, early item on Ben Franklin with an Oxford dateline: "Yesterday Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Pennsylvania, eminent for his many extraordinary improvements in electrical experiments, was presented by t... See More
The French Constitution... Article concerning Ben Franklin...
Item #686814
December 10, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 10, 1791 The entire front page is taken up with the second (of 4) installment of: "The French Constitution Revised, Amended, and Finally Decreed, by the National Assembly".
Page 2 begins with: "Congressional Intelligence" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. Also inside is an address: "To Josiah Harmar, Brig. General of the ... See More
Dr. Joseph Priestley... France eliminates knighthood...
Item #686807
September 28, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 28, 1791 A page 3 report says: "A subscription was opened in London, before Capt. Scott sailed, for the purpose of building a large and elegant Chapel for the Rev. Dr. Priestley." Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
There is much concerning the French Revolution including a page 2 item: "National Assembly - Abolition Of... See More
George Washington on a journey...
Item #686779
December 08, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 8, 1790
* President George Washington travels
* Thomas Jefferson & James Madison
A front page "Oration" is delivered at the commencement of the Univ. of Penna "..by Mr. William Bache, grandson of the late Dr. Franklin...".
A page 2 report "From Philadelphia" notes: "We hear that the President of the United Stat... See More
President Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686595
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790 * President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address
Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range... See More
George Washington, Trumbull the artist, Ben Franklin...
Item #686084
September 11, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 11, 1790
* President George Washington
* John Trumball - American artist
* Benjamin Franklin
The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are a continuation of an Act of Congress concerning the collection of duties, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 3 has a nice letter signed in type by: George Washington which is concerning the &quo... See More
George Washington, Ethan Allen, and more...
Item #685947
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1778 * Revolutionary War - Jonathan Trumbull
* Benjamin Franklin - electricity experiments
The first article is a "...Debate...on Enquiry into the State of the Nation..." continued from a previous issue and has much on the Revolutionary War, including: "...that with equal force General Washington could not stand before the Br... See More
Burgoyne & Saratoga... John Paul Jones: King wants his ships back...
Item #685874
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1779 * Battles of Saratoga - New York
* General John Burgoyne defeat
* Captain John Paul Jones
The first 8 pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes some discussion of the affairs in America.
But the prime content would be the excellent coverage of events relating to General Burgoyn... See More
Washington's third state-of-the-union address... Ben Franklin...
Item #685647
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, November, 1791 * President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The most notable content is the lengthy & historic state-of-the-union address of President Washington, which takes nearly 3 pages, headed: "Speech of the President of the United States to Both Houses of Congress" and is ... See More
Terrific issue on the Jefferson/Callender situation...
Item #685609
October 26, 1802
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Frankford, Oct. 26, 1802
* President Thomas Jefferson
* James Callender squabble
Note that this issue was published in nearby Frankford to escape the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
Page 2 begins with a very lengthy editorial which includes: "The business of the late election had diverted our attention from various objects, and the execrable wretch Ca... See More
Scathing comments about Callender...
Item #685598
September 01, 1802
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Frankford, Sept. 1, 1802
* President Thomas Jefferson
* James Callender squabble
Note that this issue was published in nearby Frankford to escape the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
This is a significant issue on the James Calendar/Thomas Jefferson controversy (see information at the bottom). After having been denied a lucrative federal position by Jeffers... See More
On Jefferson paying Callender's fine...
Item #685587
August 23, 1802
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Frankford, Aug. 23, 1802
* President Thomas Jefferson
* James Callender squabble
Note that this issue was published in nearby Frankford to escape the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
Page 2 has an interesting 2 column comparison of "Callender versus Callender" as reported in the Richmond Recorder, headed: "The Recorder is 'a paper' sa... See More
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #683352
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes.But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map folds out to 8 1/2 by 13 1/2 ... See More
Letter from Ben Franklin criticizing music...
Item #682838
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1790 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page.The issue begins with: "Description of the Falls of Niagara" which takes a full page (lacking the plate called for). But perhaps the most interesting item is: "Criticism on Musick, Letter from Dr. B. Franklin to Mr. P. Fr... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 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 of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #681445
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.
At the back is the &q... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #681266
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse.
Also within is a mention of "A Portugal Merchant&... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of iss... See More
On Ben Franklin negotiating a peace treaty to end the war...
Item #681056
March 26, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, March 26, 1782
* Benjamin Franklin & peace ?
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
The front page has some text concerning negotiations in Paris to end the war, bits including: "...handed about in Paris, the substance...of the answers & representations given by dr. Franklin in a conversation he had lately with th... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #678064
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.The mos... See More
Early version of the Articles of Confederation...
Item #677958
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
... See More
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
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
New colony of Georgia... Regarding Franklin's lightning rod... Judaica...
Item #676552
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1756 * Benjamin Franklin
* Lightning rod - electricity
* Early Georgia colony
Regarding America... There is an article near the front: "Account of American Affairs" which is continued from a previous issue & includes talk on "New Forts in America".
There is also a detailed account of Oglethorpe's English... See More
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #676541
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #676502
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back of this issue is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.At the b... See More
Ben Franklin's famous kite experiment redone... Judaica articles...
Item #676499
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1753 Among the articles in this issue are: "Some Account of the Statue to Prevent Clandestine Marriages" "A Magnificent Bridge Over the Danube" which includes a full page plate (see); "Of the Peopling of America" which is an interesting 3 page article on the origin of the various people inhabiting North America (s... See More
Letters by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #676185
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, July, 1787 Among the articles are: "Remarks & Facts Relative to the American Paper Money, By Dr. Franklin" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Friend, on the Subject of the North East Storms" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend, Containing an Account of a Remarkable Whirlwind" "Letter from Dr. M. to Dr. Franklin, Containi... See More
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