NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 26, 1817  One of the more notable items in this issue is the article headed: "Internal Navigation" which begins: "The fourth of July was celebrated at Utica, N.Y. by commencing the excavation that is to unite the great lakes with the Atlantic..." which was the beginning of construction of the Erie Canal. This report takes over half a page & includes a speech given upon breaking the earth (see).
Among other reports in this issue are: "Navy of the United States" (front page); "President's Tour" "The President's Answer to the Address from the Corporation of Harvard University" which is signed in type: James Monroe; "Answer of the President of the Address of the Cincinnati" also signed in type: James Monroe; and a report which begins: "The capture of Amelia Island by Gen. McGregor is certain...".
Complete in 16 pages, 6 1/2 by 10 inches. There is a repair to minor loss at the margin of each leaf which only slightly affects readability, otherwise in good condition.

This small size newspaper began in 1811 and was a prime source for national political news of the first half of the 19th century. As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily to politics...considered an important source for the history of the period."