Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  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 the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society, the country's largest repository of pre-1876 printed Americana.
The reporting of this signal event…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1792 

* President George Washington
* Designing District of Columbia
* Federal buildings - Capitol

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress and a “Resolve”, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
Over 2 front-page columns are on: “Reflections On the State of the Union”.
Page 2 has a report from London on the: “Arrest of Mr. Paine”, being the famed…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, January 1, 1800  

* George Washington death
* Historic & Highly sought item

This is one of the better issues to be had on the death & funeral of George Washington. 
All columns and margins on pages 1, 2 & 3 have wide, black mourning rules. Page 4 has mourning rules at the top and bottom.  The front page begins with a report headed with an engraving of a funeral urn above which is: "Testimonials of National Sorrow!" and beneath it: "On…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790  

* President George Washington
* Act of Congress script signed
* Tonnage Act of 1790 - shipping

Almost a full page 2 column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, some light…

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 report datelined February 20 which states: "On Wednesday last [the 13th] both houses of Congress met in…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 28, 1790  

* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

Page 2 contains an "Address of the Providence Assoc. of Merchants to the President..." with "The President's Answer" signed by him in type: George Washington.
Page 2 also has a letter from the governor of Georgia to Alexander M'Gillivrary, chief of the Creek Indian Nation, with his response signed: Alex. M'Gillivray.
Page 3 contains an Act of Congress concerning the…

FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, Nov. 24, 1794 

* President George Washington proclamation

The masthead features an engraving of the sun with various stars in its perimeter. this is the volume 1, number 11 issue of a title which lasted but two years.
Page 2 has a: "State Paper" being an address of: "George Washington, President of the United States of America, to the Representatives of the French people...the great & good friend & ally of the United States." signed by him in type: George…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795  

* President George Washington
* 2 Acts of Congress signed 

The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the response from the President, a rather brief letter signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE: OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, April 4, 1776  

* Ethan Allen as a prisoner
* General George Washington 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

A wealth of fine content in this issue from this desirable year.
Page 2 has a wonderful address from the Massachusetts Council offering praise and support to "His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United American Colonies". This is followed by the heartfelt…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1800 

* President George Washington's death

Near the back under the section headed: "Obituary, with Anecdotes, of Remarkable Persons" is the very historic report of the death of George Washington.
Beginning with the date of his death, the 14th, the obituary reads in part: ".... At his seat at Mount Vernon, in America, in his 68th year, after a short illness of about 24 hours, the illustrious General George Washington. His disorder was an…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 6, 1797

* President George Washington
* (4) acts signed in script

On the front page under "Laws of the United States" are four "Acts", each signed in script type: George Washington. The acts take all of the third and fourth columns, and all of the script signatures appear in the last column.
Also on the front page under Commonwealth of Massachusetts is "An Act" signed in type: Samuel Adams.
As seen in the photos there are portions to the right margin which are…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 15, 1803 

* Parson Weems book advertisement
* President George Washington biography

The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately…

J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE, COMMERCIAL & POLITICAL, Boston, Jan. 13, 1800  

* President George Washington's death

The front page has wide, black mourning rules, and the borders and all columns on pages 2, 3 & 4 also have wide, black mourning rules for the death of George Washington. 
Related content is on pages 2, 3 and 4, with: "Public Testimonials, of Respect In Commemoration of the Virtues & Character of GENERAL WASHINGTON" "Tributary Honors at Berwick" "Tributary Honors at North Yarmouth"…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Retirement from public service

The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another letter signed in type: G. Washington, as well as a report from Georgetown concerning the votes of the Virginia…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1794  

* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress

A great display issue as the front page features not one but three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
The first of the Acts is: "...to authorize the President of the United States in certain cases to alter the place for holding a session of Congress."
Four pages, some toning at the…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 1800  

* Eulogy on the death of George Washington
* Turn of the 19th century originals 

A pair of consecutive newspapers from shortly after the death of George Washington.
The front page of Jan. 29 has nearly two column taken up with: "Judge Minot's Eulogy On Gen. George Washington, Delivered before the Inhabitants of the town of Boston" which continues to page 2, then concludes by taking over two-thirds of the front page of the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1757  

* Early Major George Washington 
* Jewish colony in the East Indies

The first 2 1/2 pages have reports from the French & Indian War in America, including five letters written by General Braddock datelined Williamsburgh and Alexandria. In the introductory comments on the first page is mention that: "...concerning the territories in America mention'd in the treaty of Utrecht; of several Indian traders seized by the French on the Ohio, and sent…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789

* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War

  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 the photos, however portions include: "The 4th of March, being the day appointed by the ordinance of Congress for…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783  

* American victory in the Revolutionary War
* George Washington and Nathanael Greene

This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Nathaniel Greene by the people of Newport, R.I., for his heroic effort during the war, followed by his response…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1794  

* President George Washington
* Samuel Adams

Almost the entire front page is taken up with: "An Act Laying Certain Duties Upon Snuff and Refined Sugar" which is signed in script type at its conclusion by the President: Go. Washington.
This is followed by two Acts of the Massachusetts legislature, carrying over to page 2, each signed in type: Samuel Adams. Page 2 also has a letter from Capt. Brant to the Indian Chief Cornplanter, dated at Mohawk…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Act of Congress script signed

Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.
Four pages, a few irregularities at the margins, a few minor margin tears, good…

MINNEAPOLIS MORNING TRIBUNE, Minn., January 6, 1943

* Dr. George Washington Carver death
* Black scientist & educator
* Born into slavery

The front page has a one column photo of Carver headed: "Dr. Carver Dies" (see image) Page 2 has a biography of Carver under the heading: "Dr. Carver: He Gave All the Credit to God" First report coverage on the death of George Washington Carver.
Complete with 15 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, some small ink notations throughout,…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 23, 1901  Front page illustration "George Washington To His Namesake" by Rogers;  "Winter in Quebec" by Lawrence; The Philippine Problem; The Funeral of Queen Victoria; Old Clubs of Quebec; doublepage centerfold "The Battle of Buena Vista - February 23, 1847" by Zogbaum; "The Adventures of the Three Young Clubmen"; and other new of the day. See photos for full details.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 27, 1803  The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately after his death. He was the source of some of the apocryphal stories about…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 28, 1803  The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately after his death. He was the source of some of the apocryphal stories about…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 

* President George Washington 
* Arthur St. Clair - Wabash Indians
* Federal government in its infancy

Page 2 has a letter to the House  of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio...", which is followed by a lengthy letter on…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Three 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.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Page 3 also has several "Appointments" by the President, as well as reports on the celebration of the 4th of…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 6, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Act of Congress re. travel tax

Taking half the front page & concluding on page 2 is the: "Act Laying Duties on Carriages for the Conveyance of Persons..." which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The front page begins with a detailed ad for: "Josiah Flagg, Surgeon Dentist". Flagg was the first native-born dentist in the United States. Page 2 has a report on the 20th: "Anniversary of…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjamin Franklin); a full page: "Letter from Dr. Franklin to

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 20, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress

The front page features not one but three Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. One relates to building codes for new construction in Washington, D.C. and another is for: "...making Appropriations for the Support of the Military & Naval Establishments...". 
Four pages, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 14, 1795 

* President George Washington
* Acts of Congress

The first column of the ftpg. begins with not one but two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
This title was one of just a few which used the script type in printing, making such issues quite displayable.
Four pages, minor foxing, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 9, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Paul Revere's Masonic Lodge

Page 2 has an Act of Congress concerning a loan on the domestic debt which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. Also on page 2 is a: "Tribute Of Respect" to: "...the Great WASHINGTON."
Page 3 has a Masonic notice for the "Grand Lodge" which is signed in type by the Grand Master: Paul Revere.
Four pages, nice condition.

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons

Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 30, 1795  

* President George Washington letter
* Norfolk, Virginia & the Jay Treaty

Page 3 has: "The President's Answer  to the Address of the Citizens of Norfolk" which concerns the Jay Treaty. It is signed in type: George Washington.
Four pages, light damp stains, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790

* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)

  A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G. Washington.
His address reflects upon the first year of the Presidency, beginning a tradition of addressing Congress at the conclusion of each year which continues to this day.
Also on page 3 is a…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 17, 1795 

* President George Washington
* John & Samuel Adams - Paul Revere

A nice feature of the front page is what's on the front page: An Act of Congress for making appropriations for the military, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington & in block type by: John Adams.
Also on the front page is a letter from the President concerning a report by the Secretary of War on the protection of the frontier, signed by him in block type: G.…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

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 in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act concerning…

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 Jefferson, and John Adams. The back page also has an ad by: "Manuel Noah, Broker..." a noted Jewish financier of the…

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 noteworthy address as it is Franklin's strongest moral statement on the subject of slavery.
Franklin did not speak out…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 26, 1796  

* Rare 18th century American publication
* re. President George Washington's retirement

The front page has 22 illustrated ship ads.
Page 3 has a nice report: "The Resignation of The President of the United States" which notes in part: "...is at length announced to us in form...there is nothing we can say that will fully express the estimation in which his illustrious & important services are held by the citizens of this…

THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 10, 1789  This is a very historically significant issue, reporting the official results of George Washington being elected President of the United States.
Page 3 has: "Interesting Intelligence" that includes:"...On the Monday following, (6th inst.) by the arrival of the Hon. Richard H. Lee, from Virginia, a quorum was formed of the Senate of the United States, when they proceeded agreeably to the Constitution, and made choice of the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 5, 1800  

* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* re. the death of Patrick Henry

The front page has two Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson (hole in front leaf affects the first Adams signature). 
But more interesting is: "The Legacy of Another Dead Patriot of Virginia" which begins on the ftpg. & concludes on pg. 2 with a letter "To Archibald Blair" dated Jan. 8, 1799 and signed…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 2, 1878  Front full pg. Nast illus. of "Natural History." Inside is a full pg. illus. of "General Grant's European Souvenirs." 2/3 pg. illus. of "Stanley in Africa - Naval Battle Between the Waganda and Wavuma." 2/3 of a dblpgctrfld. of "Stanley in Africa - Burmish Hospitality." Full pg. Nast illus. of "Will He Dare Do It?" Full pg. illus. of "The Mississippi Jetties." Dblpgctrlf. of "George Washington."

THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 14, 1931

* George Washington Bridge named (1st report)
* Hudson River double-decked suspension bridge

The top of the front page has a small one column heading: "Washington Memorial Bridge Is Name of New Hudson Span" (see) First report coverage on the famous suspension bridge being named after our first president. I suspect this is one of the few publications to report this particular event as other titles in our inventory do not.
Also at the top of the page…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1793  

* (3) George Washington documents

Page 2 has an address of the people of Alexandria, Virginia, to the President supporting him in his Proclamation of Neutrality over the conflict between England & France. This is followed by the answer of the President, signed in type: G. Washington.
Then page 2 also has two more document, relating to France, which are each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Four pages, irregular at the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

* General - President George Washington

Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…