THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 17, 1799  

* "Declaration of Independence" anniversary
* Fourth - 4th of July celebration 

The front page has: "Celebration of the Fourth of July" at Worcester, followed by the celebrations at New Salem, Lancaster & Petersham.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government & Laws, in the station of Soldiers, an opportunity now presents." following which are the enticements for joining the military.
Four pages, archival strengthening at the spine, nice condition.

Background: The July 17, 1799, edition of Thomas's Massachusetts Spy serves as a vital primary source capturing the United States at a precarious crossroads, characterized by the intense nationalism and paranoia of the Quasi-War with France. The front-page accounts of Independence Day celebrations in Worcester County reflect a young nation attempting to solidify its identity through ritualistic toasts and public displays of loyalty, while the prominent "ATTENTION!" recruitment advertisement on the back page underscores the tangible threat of foreign conflict. This military drive was part of the Provisional Army authorized by President John Adams during a period of extreme partisan friction, where the Federalists viewed a standing army as a necessary defense against French "Jacobin" influence. Printed by Isaiah Thomas—the preeminent printer of the American Revolution—the paper also stands as a testament to the power of the press in mobilizing public sentiment and defending the "Constitution and Laws" against perceived internal and external subversion just months before the death of George Washington would mark the end of the Federalist era.