THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 5, 1790  

* The "Lightning Rod" Legacy
* Benjamin Franklin Bache
* The "Dr. Franklin" Connection
* Early Volume 1 publication

A very early issue of this title which existed from 1790 - 1794 before being retitled "Aurora General Advertiser". It was printed by Benjamin Franklin Bache, Ben's grandson. It began just 4 days previous on October 1, this being "Daily No. 4".
Page 2 has an article: "Dr. Franklin", otherwise various news of the day and ads.
This issue is from our private collection and is the earliest date of this title we have offered. 
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, great condition.

background: This rare fourth issue of The General Advertiser captures a pivotal moment in American history, marking the transition of the Franklin printing legacy from the venerable Benjamin Franklin—who had died only six months prior—to his grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. Printed on durable rag linen in Philadelphia, the temporary national capital, this "Daily No. 4" represents the infancy of a publication that would soon evolve into the Aurora, the most feared anti-Federalist organ in the United States. The inclusion of a dedicated article on "Dr. Franklin" so early in the run highlights Bache's intent to leverage his grandfather’s immense intellectual prestige to establish editorial authority. At this specific date in October 1790, the paper still maintains a relatively neutral, Enlightenment-focused tone, predating the vitriolic partisan warfare and the eventual passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts that would later define Bache’s career and lead to his arrest. As a primary artifact, it serves as a physical bridge between the diplomatic era of the American Revolution and the aggressive, democratic journalism that shaped the early Republic.