COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 19, 1799

• General George Washington death hoax
• President John Adams note refuting claim

Page 2 has a letter signed in type by the President: John Adams. Following it is a note which begins: "Some if the infernals who infest the United States have reported...the death of our beloved Fabius-Maximus, of Mount Vernon. the tale is false. Washington yet lives--and the God of all goodness still continues to bless him with health..." with more.
Four pages, minor margin wear, nice condition.

Background: This four-page issue of the Boston-based Columbian Centinel from January 19, 1799, holds significant historical rarity and content value due to its direct refutation of a widespread false rumor claiming the death of George Washington—nearly a full year before his actual passing on December 14, 1799. Edited by staunch Federalist Benjamin Russell, the issue features an official letter signed in type by President John Adams alongside a fiery note condemning the "infernals" responsible for spreading the hoax, while reassuring anxious citizens that the beloved "Fabius-Maximus of Mount Vernon" remained alive and in good health. Printed during the height of the Quasi-War with France, when domestic political tensions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans were extraordinarily high, this publication stands out as an exceptional primary-source artifact that captures both the intense partisan strife of the early American republic and the profound, almost mythical national veneration surrounding Washington's final year of life.